Nepali Student Wins Global Scholarship for Leptospirosis Research

Tara Bahadur Pun has been awarded the 2026 WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship to study leptospirosis in free-roaming dogs in Nepal. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association selected Pun from 33 global applicants for the scholarship, which funds a One Health project examining the zoonotic disease.

Research focus on One Health and leptospirosis

The scholarship supports veterinary student research in small companion animal infectious diseases, clinical vaccinology, and immunology. Pun's project specifically targets leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that spreads between animals and humans. His work aims to improve understanding of the disease within Nepal's substantial population of free-roaming dogs.

The project is titled 'Leptospira Seroprevalence and Molecular Epidemiology in Free-Roaming Dogs of Nepal: Implications for Vaccine Coverage and Public Health'. This research could directly influence vaccination strategies and public health planning for a disease with significant crossover potential.

Researcher’s background and academic support

Tara Bahadur Pun is a fourth-year veterinary student at Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal. His research will be supervised by two professors from the same institution. Professor Rebanta Kumar Bhattarai and Professor Hom Bahadur Basnet bring expertise in veterinary microbiology, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics to the project.

Pun's academic work is grounded in practical field experience. He has been involved with One Health Nepal, contributing to community awareness campaigns on zoonotic diseases. His activities have included supporting health camps in rural areas and promoting the One Health approach through education.

Commitment to community and global veterinary science

The WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship was created in memory of Professor Michael J. Day. It honours his legacy of commitment to evidence-based veterinary medicine, global education, and improving companion animal health. Professor Day chaired the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group from 2009 until March 2020.

Professor Mary Marcondes, chairperson of the WSAVA Vaccination Committee, expressed support for Pun's research. She stated that the project addresses an important infectious disease at the intersection of companion animal health and public health. She noted it reflects Professor Day's commitment to advancing veterinary science through research and education.

Recognition from WSAVA leadership

The scholarship is made possible through the support of MSD Animal Health. It provides a platform for emerging veterinary scientists to conduct meaningful, ground-level research with global implications.

Tara Bahadur Pun stated that the scholarship offers a rare and invaluable opportunity to carry out a high-impact research project from the ground up. He is excited to contribute meaningful evidence to the fields of companion animal infectious diseases, vaccinology, and public health.