Duane E. Chappell, DVM

Dr. Duane Chappell has spent his career improving the health of horses through his work in the field, in the classroom and on research projects. He joined the Merck Animal Health Equine Veterinary Professional Services team in 2014 and currently serves as Associate Director, Equine Pharmacovigilance and Professional Services.

Before joining Merck Animal Health, Dr. Chappell practiced at mixed animal clinics in the Midwest. He owned and managed solo and group practices and was the resident veterinarian at a Quarter Horse breeding farm. He also served as research monitor, participant and leader in trials involving Rhodococcus equi, equine influenza, exercise cytokines and plasma antibodies while in practice and academia.

“The equine team at Merck Animal Health is family! When one is down, others circle around and lift them up. When someone hits a roadblock, we are there as a team to help one another move ahead.”

#BeUnconditional

After 27 years in the field, Dr. Chappell joined Morehead State University in Kentucky as an assistant professor. There he continued his equine research contributions, as well as taught and advised pre-veterinary students and instructed veterinary technology students. Dr. Chappell received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University.

Outside of work, Dr. Chappell enjoys family time, hiking and bicycling, landscaping, wood working and sporting events. He is married with three children and six grandchildren.

Dr. Chappell has contributed to several published research articles, including:

“Voluntary Biosurveillance of Streptococcus equi Subsp. equi in Nasal Secretions of 9409 Equids with Upper Airway Infection in the USA.” (Vet Sci. 2023)
“Voluntary Surveillance Program for Equine Influenza Virus in the United States during 2008–2021.” (Pathogens 2023)
“Frequency of Detection and Prevalence Factors Associated with Common Respiratory Pathogens in Equids with Acute Onset of Fever and/or Respiratory Signs (2008-2021)” (Pathogens 2022)