We are delighted to announce that Tara Bahadur Pun, a veterinary student at the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal, has been awarded the 2026 WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship, generously supported by MSD Animal Health.
Selected from 33 applications received worldwide, Tara’s winning research project, “Leptospira Seroprevalence and Molecular Epidemiology in Free-Roaming Dogs of Nepal: Implications for Vaccine Coverage and Public Health,” was recognised for its scientific merit and potential contribution to companion animal health and infectious disease research.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects both animals and humans. Tara’s research will investigate Leptospira infection in free-roaming dogs in Nepal, generating evidence to improve understanding of the disease and inform vaccination strategies and public health approaches.
Currently in his fourth year of veterinary studies, Tara has demonstrated a strong interest in research and One Health. He has been actively involved in One Health Nepal, contributing to community awareness campaigns on zoonotic diseases, health camps in rural areas and educational activities promoting the One Health approach.
Reflecting on receiving the scholarship, Tara said: “This scholarship provides a rare and invaluable opportunity to carry out a high-impact research project from the ground up, and I am excited to contribute meaningful evidence to the fields of companion animal infectious diseases, vaccinology, and public health.”
His research will be supported by an experienced supervisory team at the Agriculture and Forestry University, including Professor Rebanta Kumar Bhattarai and Professor Hom Bahadur Basnet, whose expertise includes veterinary microbiology, infectious diseases and molecular diagnostics.
Congratulating Tara on behalf of the WSAVA Vaccination Committee, Professor Mary Marcondes, its Chair, said: “We are delighted to support Tara’s research through the Michael J. Day Scholarship. His project addresses an important infectious disease at the intersection of companion animal health and public health, reflecting Professor Day’s commitment to advancing veterinary science through research and education. We look forward to following his progress and seeing how his findings can contribute to our understanding of leptospirosis and vaccination strategies in Nepal.”
Continuing Professor Michael J. Day’s Legacy
The WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship supports veterinary students conducting research in small companion animal infectious diseases, clinical vaccinology and immunology.
Established in memory of the late Professor Michael J. Day, who chaired the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group from 2009 until March 2020, the scholarship honours his commitment to evidence-based veterinary medicine, global education and improving companion animal health.
The scholarship is made possible through the generous support of MSD Animal Health, whose ongoing commitment helps provide opportunities for the next generation of veterinary researchers.
WSAVA extends its warmest congratulations to Tara and his supervisory team and looks forward to following the progress of their research.