Michael Hildreth

Education

Ph.D., Zoology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 1983
B.A. Biology & Chemistry, Westmar College, LeMars, IA

Academic Interests

Zoonotic Parasitologist

Academic Responsibilities

Zool467: General Parasitology (spring semester only)
Biol490: Senior Seminar (fall and spring semesters)
Biol645: Microimaging Techniques

Professional Memberships

American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists
American Society of Parasitologists
American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Helminthological Society of Washingtion
South Dakota Academy of Science
Annual Midwestern Conference of Parasitologists

Area(s) of Research

Dr. Hildreth’s research program has focused on various aspects of veterinary and medical parasitology, ranging from the use of molecular probes for diagnosing human parasitic infections to measuring economic losses from parasites in cattle.

For the last 14 years, they have been working closely with the South Dakota Department of Health to understand mosquito factors that affect the transmission of West Nile Virus to humans. Most recently, his lab has also been evaluating diagnostic tools for monitoring anthelmintic resistance in cattle, sheep and bison.

Applications of Research

Research Interests: (Parasitology and Cell Biology)
Cost Assessment and Control of Cattle, Sheep and Goat Parasites
Epidemiology of Alveolar Hydatid Disease in North-Central United States
Resistance of Tapeworm SurfaceMembranes to Intestinal Digestion
West Nile Virus Surveillance in South Dakota Mosquitos5) Molecular & Immunological Techniques for Diagnosing Echinococcus in Dogs & Cats
Control and Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis/Coccidiosis in Calves
Parasites of the Northern Plains
Use of Biocontrol Agents for Controlling Grasshopper Populations

Service Responsibilities:
Coordinator of SDSU Functional Genomics Core Facility
Pre-medicine Advisor