Hearts United for Animals (HUA) welcomed Sierrah Vermeer, Peru State College (PSC) research student Saturday, Jan. 17.
She conducted blood testing on shelter dogs as part of a regional canine health research initiative. Supported by Dr. Richard Clopton and Deb Clopton of PSC, along with Dr. Jon Kolman of Tecumseh Animal Clinic and Adams Animal Care, Vermeer collected samples from 35 HUA dogs to test for Trypanosoma cruzi. It is the parasite responsible for Chagas disease.
The samples will contribute to Vermeer’s larger study examining nearly 100 dogs across multiple shelters in Southeast Nebraska. Results are expected to be presented and published later this year and continuing through 2027. They will help advance veterinary research and improve disease prevention efforts.
