By Jamie Groh
The University of Florida announces a $9.5 million estate gift establishing the Carrie W. Earls Mosquito and Pest Eradication in Beef Cattle Fund, supporting work across UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).
Researchers will focus on improving pest control strategies, reducing disease risks and helping cattle producers limit economic losses, particularly in pest-prone regions like Florida. Across UF/IFAS the funds specifically benefit the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology.
“This generous gift will allow our veterinary and medical entomologists to accelerate development of new management strategies for a host of pests, including mosquitoes and other biting flies that plague cattle and other livestock,” said Andrew Short, professor and chair of the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology.
At the College of Veterinary Medicine, funds will support the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and CVM’s Veterinary Extension.
“This landmark gift will transform research and management practices that improve beef cattle and livestock health across our state for decades to come,” UF CVM Dean Dana Zimmel, D.V.M., DACVIM, said. “Through CVM’s veterinary extension specialists, this philanthropic investment will support education, prevention and treatment initiatives as we serve Florida’s livestock industry with the health and welfare of all animals at the forefront.”
This meaningful gift comes from the estate of Irene and Walter Earls, lifelong supporters of education with strong personal interests in livestock health. The family also operated a long-standing community staple produce business offering fresh and locally sourced fruits and vegetables to central Florida. The fund is named for the mother of Walter Earls. A long-time Orlando resident, Carrie W. Earls passed away in 1987.
Irene Earls, who earned a Ph.D. in architectural history from the University of Georgia, spent decades teaching humanities and English at West Orange High School in Florida, where she launched the state’s first AP Art History program and authored several books.
The Earls’ gift to UF reflects a commitment to education while advancing practical research within one of the largest entomology programs in the United States.
“We will be able to use these funds from day one to support Florida cattle producers and their herds, especially in light of the resurging threat of the devastating New World screwworm,” Short said.
The investment strengthens UF’s ability to respond to emerging pest threats, support livestock health and reduce the losses that can affect farmers and the broader food supply.
Source : ufl.edu