OSU veterinary epidemiologist is joining the fight against COVID-19

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is working to help fight COVID-19 by doing research focused on predicting hospitalizations, ICU capacity, deaths, and the number of ventilators that may be needed.

Dr. Jared Taylor, DVM, MPH, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVPM, is part of a team at the school working together to present their findings to governor of the state.

“I usually put in 40 hours a week doing this alone besides my regular job of teaching and conducting research,” said Dr. Taylor. “We may very well go on beyond the summer depending on when the second wave comes and maybe even a third wave and how prepared we are to deal with it. Our job is to make sure we have a tool that helps decision makers moving forward make the best decisions they can.”

According to Dr. Taylor, the OSU team is concerned about COVID-19 diagnosed in rural populations and that a second wave is coming. He says the severity of the second wave will depend on people’s behavior.

“We should continue to practice social distancing as best we can,” explains Dr. Taylor. “We should consider using masks, sanitation, all of those behaviors. It’s important we keep people healthy.”

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