Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Undergraduate degree: Biology (Idaho State)
Area of interest: Mixed Animal
Tessa Williams, a DVM student in the Class of 2028 at Washington State University, is using her summer research fellowship to better understand a respiratory pathogen that threatens both livestock and wildlife populations. Working with Dr. Craig McConnel, her project focuses on identifying the prevalence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) in domestic goats and sheep in the Hells Canyon region.
While M. ovi often causes little to no disease in domestic animals, it can be devastating when transmitted to bighorn sheep, where it is linked to severe respiratory illness and high mortality. Because domestic flocks can act as reservoirs for the pathogen, understanding infection patterns in these populations is key to preventing spillover into vulnerable wildlife herds.
Williams’ study will involve collecting nasal swabs from goats and sheep across high-risk areas where domestic animals and bighorn sheep overlap. These samples will be analyzed using PCR testing to determine infection rates, allowing her to compare prevalence between species and evaluate whether factors such as age influence infection status. By also gathering information on herd management practices and proximity to bighorn sheep, her research will provide important context for interpreting disease risk.
The findings are expected to establish updated baseline data using improved diagnostic methods, helping inform surveillance strategies, outreach efforts and disease prevention measures at the livestock–wildlife interface.
Williams says the project reflects her longstanding interest in small ruminants and population health.
“Veterinary medicine is about promoting animal welfare for all, regardless of which side of the fenceline they are on,” she said.