Senior Lecturer
Overview
Dr Erika MELER, DVM, IPSAV, CEAV, MSc, MVSc, Dipl ACVIM (SAIM), Dipl ECVIM-CA
Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine - Registered Veterinary Specialist
Erika graduated from the National Veterinary School of Lyon (France) in 2003 and continued her clinical training with a rotating internship at the University of Montreal in small animal medicine and surgery (Canada). She pursued her clinical training with a Certificate in advanced studies in internal medicine at the National Veterinary School of Nantes (France) which is equivalent to an Australian Membership. Then interested in laboratory research work, she completed a Master in Oncogenetics at the Medical School of Marseille (France) and worked on the side as veterinary general practitioner.
Erika who enjoys both clinical research and internal medicine practice, decided to take the experience to the next step further. In order to broaden her knowledge and competences in both fields she entered a combined Master in Veterinary Sciences and residency program in small animal internal medicine at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (United States). She was awarded both her Master by the University of Purdue and her Certification in Small Animal Internal Medicine by the American College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. During her Residency, Erika won the Osborne case report competition organized by the Phi Zeta Society which rewards the best case presentation of the year.
After her residency, Erika worked for about 3 years in one of the biggest emergency and referral private practices in Canada where she founded the internal medicine service. Erika has trained in her career many students, interns, veterinary nurses and mentored younger colleagues. She has given continuing education conferences and written numerous articles summaries for general practitioners. Having worked in both private and academic environments, she can prepare her students for both careers and understands the challenges of both types of practice.
Erika's academic activities encompass clinical teaching and management of referral cases in the department of small animal internal medicine at the University of Queensland Veterinary Medical Centre, classroom teaching for veterinary students in their 3d, 4th and 5th years and veterinary technology students in their 3d year of training, as well as research work bridging human as well as laboratory science and IT technology to clinical practice (so called collaborative and translational medicine). She has also an interest in developing business management field in veterinary medicine as well as innovative teaching methods for veterinary students and professionals.
Erika’s clinical areas of interest are the use of new technologies in veterinary medicine such minimally-invasive techniques (including laser and stenting) in dogs.
Erika's research areas of interest are infectious diseases such as MRSA, MRSP, protozoal, viral and fungal diseases in pet companions.
Erika's teaching areas of interest are the development of new teaching methods in the veterinary clinical setting and the exploration of a new balance between economic needs of teaching hospitals and their educational goals.
Erika is definitively a team player and has an excellent track record in student supervision and graduation. Although veterinary oriented, these themes are also deeply translational so any colleague from a medical or educational background who would like to collaborate is very much welcome to make contact. Erika looks forward to work with any colleagues and students interested any of the themes listed above.
Research Interests
- Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus spp carriage and infection in companion animals
Qualifications
- Doctor in Vtereninary Medicine, Claude Bernard University - Lyon
- Master in Sciences, Aix-marseille University
- Master in Veterinary Sciences, Purdue University
- Board Certification in Small Ani Internal Medicine, America College of Veteirnary Internal Medicine
Publications
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Journal Article: Nasal microbiota profiles in shelter dogs with dermatological conditions carrying methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus species
Horsman, Sara, Meler, Erika, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Mallyon, John, Yao, Hong, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. and Gibson, Justine S. (2023). Nasal microbiota profiles in shelter dogs with dermatological conditions carrying methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus species. Scientific Reports, 13 (1) 4844. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-31385-2
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Conference Publication: Identification and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates cultured from clinical canine skin and ear samples in Queensland
Horsman, Sara, Meler, Erika, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. and Gibson, Justine S. (2023). Identification and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates cultured from clinical canine skin and ear samples in Queensland. Antimicrobials 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23-25 February 2023.
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Journal Article: The effects of oclacitinib treatment on antimicrobial usage in allergic dogs in primary practice: an Australia wide case-control study
Rynhoud, Hester, Croton, Catriona, Henry, Grace, Meler, Erika, Gibson, Justine S. and Soares Magalhaes, Ricardo J. (2022). The effects of oclacitinib treatment on antimicrobial usage in allergic dogs in primary practice: an Australia wide case-control study. BMC Veterinary Research, 18 (1) 151, 1-9. doi: 10.1186/s12917-022-03255-y
Grants
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Nasal microbiota in shelter dogs and carriage of Staphylococcus spp.
(2019–2021) Canine Research Foundation
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Antimicrobial resistance patterns in urinary tract pathogens in dogs in South East Queensland
(2019–2020) Research Donation Generic
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(2019–2020) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Supervision
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Prevalence of canine urinary bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in south eastern Queensland
(2023) Doctor Veterinary Clinical Sci
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The epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus spp. transmission in companion animals
Doctor Philosophy
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Epidemiology and control of canine skin and ear diseases in Australia
Doctor Philosophy
Publications
Journal Article
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Horsman, Sara, Meler, Erika, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Mallyon, John, Yao, Hong, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. and Gibson, Justine S. (2023). Nasal microbiota profiles in shelter dogs with dermatological conditions carrying methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus species. Scientific Reports, 13 (1) 4844. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-31385-2
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Rynhoud, Hester, Croton, Catriona, Henry, Grace, Meler, Erika, Gibson, Justine S. and Soares Magalhaes, Ricardo J. (2022). The effects of oclacitinib treatment on antimicrobial usage in allergic dogs in primary practice: an Australia wide case-control study. BMC Veterinary Research, 18 (1) 151, 1-9. doi: 10.1186/s12917-022-03255-y
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Jacobson, Else, Meler, Erika N., Delisser, Peter J. and Thompson, Ann L. (2022). Cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ectopic ureters as a novel alternate minimally invasive treatment option to laser ablation in female dogs: 8 cases (2011-2020). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 260 (S2), S12-S20. doi: 10.2460/javma.21.03.0153
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Rynhoud, Hester, Forde, Brian M., Beatson, Scott A., Abraham, Sam, Meler, Erika, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. and Gibson, Justine S. (2021). Molecular Epidemiology of Clinical and Colonizing Methicillin-Resistant Isolates in Companion Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8 620491, 620491. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.620491
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Rynhoud, Hester, Meler, Erika, Gibson, Justine S., Price, Rochelle, Maguire, Tina, Farry, Trisha, Bennett, Emma, Hartono, Josephine and Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. (2021). Epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus species carriage in companion animals in the Greater Brisbane Area, Australia. Research in Veterinary Science, 136, 138-142. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.02.012
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Rynhoud, Hester, Gibson, Justine S., Meler, Erika and Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. (2021). The association between the use of oclacitinib and antibacterial therapy in dogs with allergic dermatitis: a retrospective case-control study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8 631443, 631443. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.631443
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Horsman, Sara, Rynhoud, Hester, Zhou, Xiaoyan, Magalhaes, Ricardo J. Soares, Gibson, Justine S. and Meler, Erika (2021). Environmental recovery of Nosocomial bacteria in a companion animal shelter before and after infection control procedures. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7 608901, 608901. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.608901
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Meler, Erika, Berent, Allyson C., Weisse, Chick and Dunn, Marilyn (2018). Treatment of congenital distal ureteral orifice stenosis by endoscopic laser ablation in dogs: 16 cases (2010-2014). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253 (4), 452-462. doi: 10.2460/javma.253.4.452
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Disseminated Chrysosporium infection in a German shepherd dog
Cook, Emily, Meler, Erika, Garrett, Katrina, Long, Hanna, Mak, King, Stephens, Carol and Thompson, Ann (2015). Disseminated Chrysosporium infection in a German shepherd dog. Medical Mycology Case Reports, 10, 29-33. doi: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2016.01.002
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Meler, Erika N., Scott-Moncrieff, J. Catharine, Peter, Augustine T., Bennett, Sara, Ramos-Vara, Jose, Salisbury, S. Kathleen and Naughton, James F. (2011). Cyclic estrus-like behaviour associated with an excessive sex-hormone production from an adrenocortical carcinoma in a cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 13 (6), 473-478. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2011.02.002
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Meler, Erika and Pressler, Barrak (2010). Research updates. Veterinary Medicine, 105 (11), 499-500.
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Giving glargine insulin to newly diagnosed diabetic cats may increase the likelihood of remission
Meler, Erika and Pressler, Barrak (2010). Giving glargine insulin to newly diagnosed diabetic cats may increase the likelihood of remission. Veterinary Medicine, 105 (9), 400-402.
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Diffuse cylindrical bronchiectasis due to eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a dog
Meler, Erika, Pressler, Barrak M., Heng, Hock Gan and Baird, Debra K. (2010). Diffuse cylindrical bronchiectasis due to eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a dog. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 51 (7), 753-756.
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Ascites validated as a powerful prognostic indicator in canine chronic hepatitis
Meler, Erika and Pressler, Barrak (2010). Ascites validated as a powerful prognostic indicator in canine chronic hepatitis. Veterinary Medicine, 105 (2), 52-54.
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Investigating the impact of vaccine administration site changes in cats
Meler, Erika and Pressler, Barrak (2009). Investigating the impact of vaccine administration site changes in cats. Veterinary Medicine, 104 (10), 454-455.
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Antigen and antibody tests for diagnosing and monitoring blastomycosis in dogs
Meler, Erika and Pressler, Barrale (2009). Antigen and antibody tests for diagnosing and monitoring blastomycosis in dogs. Veterinary Medicine, 104 (5)
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A retrospective study of canine persistent nasal disease: 80 cases (1998–2003)
Meler, Erika, Dunn, Marilyn and Lécuyer, Manon (2008). A retrospective study of canine persistent nasal disease: 80 cases (1998–2003). Canadian Veterinary Journal, 49 (1), 71-76.
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Hémangiosarcome de l'auricule droite traité par chirurgie et chimiothérapie chez un chien
Meler, E. and Hernandez, J. (2005). Hémangiosarcome de l'auricule droite traité par chirurgie et chimiothérapie chez un chien. Pratique Medicale et Chirurgicale de l'Animal de Compagnie, 40 (2), 81-89.
Conference Publication
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Horsman, Sara, Meler, Erika, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Soares Magalhães, Ricardo J. and Gibson, Justine S. (2023). Identification and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates cultured from clinical canine skin and ear samples in Queensland. Antimicrobials 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23-25 February 2023.
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Horsman, S., Croton, C., Meler, E., Mikkelsen, D., Soares Magalhães, R. and Gibson, J. (2022). Uncovering the geographical associations between antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial usage in dogs treated with anti-pruritic therapies for pruritic skin and ear diseases through data linkage. Vet Compass Australia Symposium, Online, 16 August 2022.
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Horsman, Sara, Meler, Erika, Mikkelsen, Deirdre, Gibson, Justine and Soares Magalhaes, Ricardo (2022). Geographical variation in antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria isolated from canine skin and ear samples in Queensland. Australian Society for Microbiology, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 11-14 July 2022.
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Tensions between clinical education and hospital operations in teaching hospitals
Meler, Erika (2021). Tensions between clinical education and hospital operations in teaching hospitals. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Virtual , 9-12 June 2021. Red Hook, NY, United States: Curran Associates .
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Rynhoud, H., Forde, B.M., Beatson, S.A., Abraham, S., Meler, E., Soares Magalhães, R.J. and Gibson, J.S. (2021). Molecular epidemiology of clinical and colonising methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus isolates in companion animals. . Australian Society for Microbiology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 31 May-3 June 2021.
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Horsman, S., Mikkelsen, D., Mallyon, J., Soares Magalhães, R.J. , Meler, E. and Gibson, J.S. (2021). Nasal microbiota diversity and abundance in shelter dogs carrying methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus species. Australian Society for Microbiology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 31 May-3 June 2021.
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How to better embed clinical teaching into practice operations within veterinary teaching hospitals?
Meler, Erika, Schull, Dan, Smith, Karl and Kelly, Sarah (2020). How to better embed clinical teaching into practice operations within veterinary teaching hospitals?. Vet Down Under, Gatton campus, QLD, Australia, 11-13 February 2020.
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Rynhoud, H., Meler, E., Gibson, J., Price, R., Maguire, T., Farry, T. and Soares Magalhaes, R. (2019). Epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus species carriage in companion animals: analysis of 1062 samples taken between 2015 and 2017 in Queensland. Science Week of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4-6 July 2019.
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Prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of canine uropathogens in South East Queensland
Mack, Caitlin, Meler, Erika, Herndon, Aaron and Gibson, Justine (2019). Prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of canine uropathogens in South East Queensland. Science Week of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4-6 July 2019.
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Can veterinary teaching hospitals be profitable?
Meler, E., Schull, D., Smith, C. and Kelly, S. (2018). Can veterinary teaching hospitals be profitable?. VetEd DownUnder conference, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy campus, 13-14 February 2018.
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Rynhoud, H., Meler, E., Gibson, J. and Soares Magalhaes, R. (2018). The epidemiology of Staphylococcus spp. carriage in dogs, cats and horses in the greater Brisbane area. 19th Annual Scientific meeting of the Australian Society for Antimicrobials, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 22-24 February 2018.
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Canine systemic toxoplasmosis in south east Queensland: a retrospective case series
Anastassiadis, Z., Cook, E., Thompson, A., Herndon, A., McGhie, J. and Meler, E. (2017). Canine systemic toxoplasmosis in south east Queensland: a retrospective case series. Science Week of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 6-8 July 2017.
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Meler, E., Magalhaes, R. S., Rochelle, R., Farry, T., Bennett, E., Maguire, T. and Gibson, J. (2017). Prevalence and phylogeography of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus spp. carriage in companion animals in Brisbane, Australia. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum 2017, National Harbor, MD, United States, 8-9 June 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/jvim.14778
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Meler, E., Berent, A. C., Weisse, C. and Dunn, M. (2014). Treatment of congenital ureterovesicular junction stenosis by endoscopic laser-ablation in dogs: 10 cases (2010-2013). The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, Nashville, Tennessee, 4-7 June 2014.
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Guptill, L., Meler, E., Dunham, A., Li, Y. and Weese, J. S. (2011). Prevalence of methicillin-resistant coagulase positive Staphylococcus species colonization of pet dogs and cats. 2nd ASM-ESCMID Conference on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci in Animals: Veterinary and Public Health Implications., Washington DC United States, 8-11 September 2011.
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Meler, E., He, S., Dunham, A. and Guptill, L. (2010). Hospital Prevalence and Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Infections in Small Animals At the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Puvth), 2006-2009. ACVIM Forum, Anaheim, CA, United States, 9-12 June 2010. Hoboken, NJ, United States: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0521.x
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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Nasal microbiota in shelter dogs and carriage of Staphylococcus spp.
(2019–2021) Canine Research Foundation
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Antimicrobial resistance patterns in urinary tract pathogens in dogs in South East Queensland
(2019–2020) Research Donation Generic
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(2019–2020) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
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Nuclear medicine suite for animals
(2018–2019) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
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(2017–2019) Research Donation Generic
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(2017–2018) John & Mary Kibble Trust
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Pilot trial of novel immunotherapeutics iCFA and KVax in metastatic cancer in dogs
(2016–2019) Research Donation Generic
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(2015–2020) Research Donation Generic
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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The epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus spp. transmission in companion animals
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
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Epidemiology and control of canine skin and ear diseases in Australia
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Completed Supervision
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Prevalence of canine urinary bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in south eastern Queensland
(2023) Doctor Veterinary Clinical Sci — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
