Mark Ruder

Mark Ruder is a Professor in Wildlife Health and Director of the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. His work focuses on understanding wildlife disease systems, particularly hemorrhagic diseases in deer, tick-borne pathogens, and emerging zoonotic threats.

Education: DVM (2007, Kansas State University) and PhD (2012, University of Georgia, Pathology). He coordinates diagnostic services for SCWDS member agencies and teaches POPH 8580: Current Topics in Wildlife Health Seminar.

Research interests include epidemiology/pathobiology of wildlife diseases, with emphasis on pathogens affecting both wildlife and livestock/human health. Key projects involve Culicoides vectors of EHDV/BTV, chronic wasting disease, and zoonotic arboviruses. His collaborative approach integrates veterinary medicine, wildlife science, and field/clinical research.

Publications emphasize vector ecology, wildlife pathogen surveillance, and disease management strategies. His work addresses critical issues like CWD transmission, anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in raptors, and SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife.

SCWDS leadership involves diagnostic support for state/federal wildlife agencies. He actively engages stakeholders in biosecurity measures to prevent disease spread.