Dalan Animal Health Names Dr. Erin Strait as New Chief Scientific Officer

Dalan Animal Health Welcomes Dr. Erin Strait as Chief Scientific Officer

Dalan Animal Health is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Strait, DVM, Ph.D., as its Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective January 27, 2025. This strategic move comes as the company seeks to accelerate its research and development initiatives in the realm of innovative animal health solutions, particularly vaccines aimed at leveraging innate immunity.

With an impressive history in veterinary biologics development, Dr. Strait steps into her new role directly from Ceva Animal Health where she was instrumental as the Director of Innovation and Development for U.S. Poultry and Swine Biologics. Her wealth of experience not only makes her a valuable asset but also positions her perfectly to lead Dalan's scientific pursuits from the company’s headquarters based in Athens, Georgia.

Expressing her excitement about this new opportunity, Dr. Strait stated, "I am thrilled to join Dalan Animal Health at this pivotal moment in the company's growth. The pioneering research initiatives, including the world's first honeybee vaccine, illustrate a deep commitment to innovation in animal health. My aim is to build on the foundation laid by Dr. Freitak and unlock transformative applications of innate immunity for various species."

Dr. Strait brings with her extensive academic credentials, having both a Ph.D. in Immunobiology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University. Before her tenure at Ceva, she served as Director of Biology Discover for U.S. Swine Biologics at Merck Animal Health. There, she acquired significant expertise in steering innovative diagnostics and vaccines through the complex process from research conception to licensure.

In her new capacity as CSO, Dr. Strait will be pivotal in enhancing Dalan's research presence, growing the scientific team, and refining the company’s strategic vision. Her focus will be on further advancing Dalan’s innovative vaccine platform and exploring new frontiers in animal health.

"Dr. Strait's profound knowledge in immunology and her solid record in bringing novel biologics to the market make her an ideal leader for our scientific endeavors," remarked Dr. Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health. Adding to this sentiment, Dr. Dalial Freitak, the founding CSO, emphasized that Dr. Strait’s unique combination of expertise and vision aligns perfectly with the mission of transforming animal health through innovative vaccine development. Her leadership will be critical in advancing Dalan's platform beyond the initial successes seen in honeybee and shrimp health.

About Dalan Animal Health

Dalan Animal Health is a pioneering biotechnology firm dedicated to crafting transformative animal health solutions that promote a sustainable future. The company is committed to developing vaccines targeting a range of diseases affecting honeybees and other underserved invertebrate species like shrimp, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable food supply. Dalan’s innovative contributions have gained recognition from esteemed platforms, including TIME's Best Inventions and Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech, and have recently been featured in FORBES. Headquartered within the University of Georgia's Innovation Hub in Athens, Georgia, Dalan continues to push the envelope of scientific advancement in animal health.