Janis Joslin, DVM
Professor, Primate, Zoo, and Wildlife Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
Phone: 909-706-3486 | Fax: 909-469-5633
Join year: February, 2007
Dr. Joslin graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Biology with Honors before attending The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine where she was enrolled in a dual DVM, PhD program in Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology. She obtained her DVM degree, Cum Laude. During her last year in veterinary school she had done a 3 month rotation at the San Diego Zoo and her career plans took a different course.
She did an internship at the West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group and then a residency in Primate Medicine at the California Primate Research Center in association with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis, CA.
Her dream to become a Zoo Veterinarian was realized when she was hired by the Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo) where she served as Veterinarian in Charge, Commissary Manager, and Acting Curator of Primates. She then worked at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle Washington as the Director of Animal Health and Research, Commissary Manager and Acting General Curator. She has also served as a Senior Clinical Veterinarian for SNBL, USA and as the Assistance State Veterinarian for the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Director of Animal Health/Staff Veterinarian for the Phoenix Zoo.
Dr. Joslin has always been a strong advocate for animal welfare and was an expert witness in the landmark trial concerning allegations of animal cruelty against Dr. Edward Taub in his NIH research using monkeys (which came to be known as the Silver Springs Monkeys). The result of this trial sparked a review by USDA/APHIS of the Animal Welfare Regulations leading to significant changes in the regulations concerning non-human primate care in exhibitor and research facilities.
Dr. Joslin has written numerous scientific papers and chapters on zoo and wildlife medicine. She was the first veterinary advisor for a Species Survival Plan for Snow Leopards. In that position, she investigated the causes of morbidities and mortalities in the captive collection of Snow Leopards in zoos in North America and served as a resource for medical problems for zoos housing these animals. In this capacity, Dr. Joslin identified two papillomaviruses which were responsible for causing squamous cell carcinomas in this species. These malignancies were associated with 11% of the mortalities of these cats in zoos. Dr. Joslin has spearheaded a collaborative project to develop a vaccine against these papillomaviruses.
Janis Ott Joslin, DVM joined the CVM faculty in February 2007 as a Professor of Primate, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. She is a PBL facilitator, a content expert in Exotic, Zoo and Wildlife Animal Medicine, fourth year rotation coordinator, 3rd Year Student CourseLeader for the Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Course, and a lecturer in the Veterinary Issues Course and Clinical Skills Course.
The future of the planet depends on the knowledge, skills and dedication of future generations. It is the responsibility of all of us to better prepare our children for this responsibility than we were prepared. Our past mistakes must be corrected and future mistakes prevented. The key to this is education. The only reason for illiteracy and ignorance in this world is that political, industry and educational leaders and the public have not made the future as much of a priority as the present concerns.
•Papillomavirus vaccine development in Snow Leopards
•Reproduction in exotic animals
•Diseases of exotics especially non-human primates
- Institute of Museum and Library Services – National Leadership Grant – Planning Grant – 2009-2010. $100,000.00
Correlation of Snow Leopard Genetics with Immune Function: A Model for the Integration of Functional Genomics into Endangered Species Captive Breeding Plans. Co-Principle Investigators: Peggy Barr, (Professor of Virology and Immunology), Kristopher Irizarry (Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics, Genetics & Genomics), Janis Joslin (Professor of Primate, Zoo & Wildlife Medicine) from WesternU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Collaborators: Todd Mockler (Assistant Professor, Botany & Plant Pathology, Oregon State University), Jay Tetzloff (Zoo Superintendent, Miller Park Zoo).
- Morris Animal Foundation Grant – 2002-2003, $20,000.00
Identification and gene sequencing of the two papillomaviruses of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) – which are responsible for the development of squamous cell carcinoma lesions in this species. Co-investigators: A. B. Jenson, MD and Shin-je Ghim, PhD, The James Graham Brown Cancer Center of the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center
- Chicago Zoological Society Conservation and research Grant - 2000-2001, $5,600.00
Characterization of the two papillomaviruses and the developing the two papillomaviruses vaccines for snow leopards, Co-investigators: A. B. Jenson, MD and Shin-je Ghim, PhD, The James Graham Brown Cancer Center of the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center
- Woodland Park Zoological Gardens Conservation Grant - 2000-2001, $5,500.00
Development of the two papillomaviruses vaccines for snow leopards. Co-investigators: A. B. Jenson, MD and Shin-je Ghim, PhD, The James Graham Brown Cancer Center of the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center
- Woodland Park Zoological Gardens Conservation Grant - 2000-2001, $1,020.00
In vitro fertilization of a Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) gamete and embryo transfer into a surrogate hybrid orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus),. Co-investigators: Drs. W.D. Weissman, K. Johnson, K., and M. Forester, from the Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA and Dr. S. Wasser, S from The Center for Wildlife Conservation at the Woodland Park Zoo.
- Institute of Museum Services Grant – 1988-1989, $10,000.00
Development of the MedARKs (computerized medical records for zoo animals) for parasitology records
- Chicago Zoological Society Scientific, Education and Conservation Grant - 1983-1984, $3,300.00
Development of a technique to monitor urine reproductive hormones in hoofstock. Co-investigators: N. M. Loskutoff, PhD and B. L. Lasley, PhD, San Diego Zoo Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES)
- Chicago Zoological Society Scientific, Education and Conservation Grant - 1983-1984, $6,550.00
Monitor the effect of M99 on ovulation in cattle as a model for the effect of M99 on exotic reproduction. Co-investigator: Walter R. Threlfall, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACT, The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine
- Bay Foundation and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 1982-1983, $8,000.00
Development of a technique to monitor urine reproductive hormones in hoofstock. Co-investigators: N. M. Loskutoff, PhD and B. L. Lasley, PhD, San Diego Zoo Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES)
- Chicago Zoological Society Scientific, Education and Conservation Grant - 1981-1982, $6,000.00
Development of a technique to monitor urine reproductive hormones in okapis (Okapi johnstoni). Co-investigators: N. M. Loskutoff, PhD and B. L. Lasley, PhD, San Diego Zoo Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES)
Dr Joslin has received several honors, including President's Service Awards for her work for the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, and the Employee of Excellence Award for Leadership for the Parks Department for the City of Seattle.
Dr. Joslin is actively involved in the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. She has served as Chairperson for numerous Committees including the Veterinary Standards Committee, Ethics and Professional Practice, Nominating Committee, Computer Committee, Convention Host Committee and Infection Disease Committee. She has serve in every executive office for the organization from Secretary to Past President. She was the guest Editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine issue on Non-human Primate Medicine. As Chair of the Veterinary Standards Committee for the AAZV, Dr. Joslin wrote three editions of the "Guidelines for zoo and aquarium veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals" which were published as a supplement to the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. These guidelines are used to evaluate veterinary programs for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation site visits. She was responsible in spearheading and acquiring funding for the first module of the computerized medical records program for Zoos (MedARKS) that are used by zoos world-wide.
Joslin, J.O., Blood Collection Techniques in Exotic Small Mammals. J Exotic Pet Med, 18(2) pp. 117-139, 2009.
Joslin, J.O., Orr, K., Aguilar, R., Rice, D., Evans, J.M., Norman, J.: Optic neuritis and pyogranulomatous encephalitis caused by West Nile Virus in an aged mountain lion (Puma concolor aztecus).Proc. AAZV/AAWV/NAG, 2007.
Joslin, J.O.: Other Primates Excluding Great Apes. In: Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (eds.) Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, 5thEdition. Philadelphia, 2003, W.B. Saunders, pp. 346-381.
Joslin, J.O., Garner, M.M., Collins, D., Kamaka, E., Sinabaldi, K., Meleo, K., Montali, R., Sundberg, J., Jenson, A.B., Ghim, S.J., Davidow, B., Hargis, M.., Clark, T., and Haines, D.: Viral papilloma and squamous cell carcinomas in snow leopards. Proc. AAZV/IAAAM, pp.155-158, 2000.
Joslin, J.O., Amand, W., Cook, R., Hinshaw, K., McBain, J., and Oosterhuis, J.: Guidelines for zoo and aquarium veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals. Suppl. J.Z.W.M., pp. 1-52, 1999.
Joslin, J.O., and Collins, D.: Designing an Ideal Animal Shipment. In: Fowler, M.E. and Miller, R.E. (eds.) Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, Current Therapy 4, Philadelphia, 1998, W.B. Saunders, pp. 17-26.
Joslin, J.O.: The hot zone: Primate welfare and international import regulations. Proc. AAZV/WDA/AAWV, pp. 251-254, 1995.
Joslin, J.O., Weissman, W.D., Johnson, K., Forester, M., Wasser, S., and Collins, D.: In vitro fertilization of Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) gamete followed by embryo transfer into a surrogate hybrid orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). J.Z.W.M., 26(1) pp. 32-42, 1995.
Joslin, J.: Zoonotic Diseases of Non-human Primates. In: Fowler, M.E. (ed) Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, Current Therapy 3, Philadelphia, 1993, W.B. Saunders, pp. 358-373.
Ott-Joslin, J.E.: Mycobacterial infections in tree kangaroos. Proc. AAZV, pp. 132-139, 1990.
Joslin, J., Amand, W., Bush, M., Haigh, J., Miller, E., and Stoskopf, M.: Guidelines for zoo and aquarium veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals. Suppl. J.Z.W.M: 21(3), pp. 1-11, 1990.
Ott-Joslin, J., Turner, T., Galante, J., and Torgerson, B.: Bilateral total hip replacement in a 26-year old lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Proc. AAZV, pp. 516-518, 1987.
Ott, J.E.: Viral Diseases of Non-human Primates. In: Fowler, M.E. (ed.) Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, 2ndEdition. Philadelphia, 1986, W.B. Saunders, pp. 674-697.
Ott-Joslin, J.E.: Veterinary medical emergencies. Zoo Biol. 5, pp. 403-406, 1986.
Ott-Joslin, J.E.: Keeping our dolphins healthy (and happy): Brookfield Bison. pp. 19-20, 1985.
Ott, J.E.: Keeping our dolphins healthy (and happy) at Brookfield Zoo. Int. Zoo News, 191, 32(3), pp 18-22, 1985.
Ott-Joslin, J.E.: Anesthesiology in exotic animals. AALAS, 1983.
Ott, J.E.: Anesthesia and restraint in exotic animals. Proc. Ann. Meet. Ill. State Vet. Med. Assoc., 1982.
Ott, J.E.: Zoonotic disease of nonhuman primates. Proc. AZVT, pp. 15-26, 1982.
Ott, J.E., McDonald, S.E., Robinson, P.T., and Wright, F.H.: Ulcerative stomatitis in a black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Proc. AAZV, pp. 68-71, 1982.
Ott, J.E., Satterfield, B., Amand, W., Stoskopf, M., and Brundrett, J.: Guidelines for zoo veterinary medical programs and veterinary hospitals. Veterinary Standards Committee, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, Suppl. J.Z.A.M., pp. 1-14, 1982.
Ott, J.E.: Anesthesia and restraint in exotic animals. Proc Ann. Meet. Ill. State Vet. Med. Assoc., 1982.
Ott, J.E., Schaffer, N., Prowten, A., Wildt, D., Platz, C., McDonald, S., and Seager, S.: Semen collection (by electroejaculation) and fertility examination of the snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Proc. AAZV, pp 138-141, 1981.
Ott, J.E., Greenough, P.R., and Robinson, P.T.: Hoof repair in an okapi (Okapia johnstonii). Proc. AAZV, pp. 155-158, 1981.
Ott, J.E.: Virus Disease of Primates - Their Hazards to Human and Non-human Primates. In: Kirk, R.E. (ed.): Current Veterinary Therapy VII, Philadelphia, 1981, W.B. Saunders, pp. 733-741.
Ott, J.E., and Joslin, P.: A helping hand back to mother. Brookfield Bison, Feb./Mar., pp. C1-C8, 1981.
Ott, J.E.: Alternatives to hand rearing. AAZPA Reg. Conf. Proc., pp. 246-252, 1981.
Ott, J.E.: Tuberculin testing in primates. XXII International Symposium on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals, Arnham, Holland, pp. 93-103, 1980.
Ott, J.E.: Clinical care of primates and exotic felines. Proc. Ann. Meet. Ill. State Vet. Med. Assoc., 1980.
Ott, J.E.: Viral zoonosis and infertility in male great apes. Workshop on Infertility in Male Great Apes: Atlanta, GA, 1980.
Ott, J.E.: Tuberculin testing in primates. Proc. AAZV, pp.75-83, 1979.
Ott, J.E., Holmberg, C.A., Anderson, J.A., and Hendrickson, R.V.: An outbreak of viral disease in newly imported titi monkeys (Callicebus molloch). AALAS, Abstract 9, 1977.
Rector, A., Lemey, P., Tachezy, R., Mostmans, S., Ghim, S., Van Doorslaer, K., Roelke, M., Bush, M., Montali, R.J., Joslin, J., Burk, R.D., Jenson, R.B., Sundberg, J.P., Shapiro, B., and Van Ranst, M.: Ancient papillomavirus-host co-speciation in Felidae. Gen. Biol. 8:R57.1-12, 2007.
Garner, M.M., Collins, D., Joslin, J., Nordhausen, B., and Garber, R.: Fatal systemic herpesvirus infection in three Mexican giant tree frogs, Pachymedusa dacnicolo. Proc. ARAV, 2000.
Garner, M. M., Collins, D., Joslin, J., Didier, E., and Nordhausen, R.: Microsporidiosis in a closed colony of pink-tongued skinks, Hemisphaeriodon gerrardi. Proc. ARAV. 2000.
Dubey, J.P., Ott-Joslin, J.E., Torgeson, R.W., Topper, M..J., and Sunberg, J.P.: Toxoplasmosis in black-faced kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus melanops).Vet. Parasit., 30, pp. 97-105, 1988.
Loskutoff, N.M., Kasman, L.H., Raphael, B.L., Ott-Joslin, J.E., and Lasley, B.L.: Urinary steroid evaluations to monitor ovarian function in exotic ungulates: IV. Estrogen metabolism in the okapi (Okapia johnstonii). Zoo Biol. 6, pp. 213-218, 1987.
O'Brien, S.J., Joslin, P., Smith III, G.L., Wolfe, R., Schaffer, N., Heath, E., Ott-Joslin, J., Rawai, P.P., Bhattacharjee, K.K., and Martenson, J.S.: Evidence for African origins of founders of the Asiatic lion Species Survival Plan. Zoo Biol. 6, pp. 99-116, 1987.
O'Brien, S.J., Martenson, J.S., Packer, C., Herbst, L., deVos, V., Joslin, P., Ott-Joslin, J., Wildt, D.E., and Bush, M.: Biochemical genetic variation in zoo geographic isolates of African and Asiatic lions. Nat. Geo. Res. 3(1), pp. 114-124, 1987
Loskutoff, N.M., Walker, L., Ott-Joslin, J.E., Raphael, B.L., and Lasley, B.L.: Urinary steroid evaluations to monitor ovarian function in exotic ungulates: II Comparison between the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) and the okapi (Okapia johnstonii). Zoo Biol. 5, pp. 331-338, 1986.
Leach, M.N, Parker, A.L., and Ott-Joslin, J.E.: Sacrococcygeal dysgenesis in a crab-eating macaque. JAVMA, 189(9) pp. 1219, 1986.
Pawley, R., Sneed, L., and Ott-Joslin, J.: The reptiles, their curators and the veterinarian: Harmony or cacophony? Proc AAZV, pp. 123-124, 1986.
Raphael, B.L., Sneed, L., and Ott-Joslin, J.: Rotavirus-like infection associated with diarrhea in okapi. JAVMA 189(9), pp. 1183-1184, 1986.
Loskutoff, N.M., Ott, J.E., and Lasley, B.L.: Strategies for assessing ovarian function in exotic species. JZAM 14(1), 1983pp. 3-12, 1983.
Loskutoff, N.M., Ott, J.E., and Lasley, B.L.: Urinary steroid evaluations to monitor ovarian function in exotic ungulates. 1. Pregnanediol-3-glucuronide immunoreactively in the okapi (Okapia johnstonii). Zoo Biol. 1. pp. 45-53, 1982.
Loskutoff, N.M., Ott, J.E., and Lasley, B.L.: Monitoring the reproductive status of the okapi (Okapia johnstonii). Proc. AAZV, pp. 149, 1981.
Beroza, G.H., Barclay, W.P., McDonald, S.E., and Ott, J.E.: Manual retrieval of a gastric foreign body in an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. JAVMA, 179(11), pp. 1286-1288, 1981.
Wright, F.H., Ott, J.E,. and Watts, G.: Parasitic, bacterial and mycotic sinusitis in an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): A case report. Proc. of AAZV, pp. 115-116, 1979.
Hall, A.S., Anderson, J.H., Henrickson, R.V., and Ott, J.E.: Standardized interpretation of intrapalpebral tuberculin testing in nonhuman primates. AALAS, Abstract 11, 1977.
Dr. Joslin is the proud parent of Jessica Joslin who is the 3rd generation and 5th person in the family to graduate from Northwestern University. Jessica has gone onto to receive herMasters of Divinityfrom Harvard and it enrolled in PhD program at the University of Michigan. She wantsto be a college chaplain and ordained in the United Church of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys sculpting and telling zoo stories.