OVC Professor Emeritus Appointed to Order of Canada

A University of Guelph veterinarian recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of E. coli bacteria has been named to the Order of Canada. 

Dr. Carlton Gyles was named an Officer of the Order in recognition of “his profound contributions to veterinary microbiology,” whose seminal studies “have led to new vaccines, improved infection control and a safer food supply.”  

A longtime professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) who retired in 2005, Gyles is one of the world’s top authorities on E. coli and helped position the college as a global leader in veterinary medicine education. 

One of Gyles’ key discoveries was the role of E. coli toxins in diarrheal disease. He was one of the first to pinpoint how a key toxin produced by the bacterium could cause illness. That led to the development of an effective oral vaccine for traveler’s diarrhea in humans, as well as vaccines to prevent disease in farm animals. Gyles is credited with providing the fundamental basis for recent developments in the veterinary field. 

Throughout his career, Gyles worked closely with Health Canada and other health agencies, including acting as a key spokesperson during the Walkerton, Ont. E. coli-contaminated water crisis in 2000. 

“On behalf of OVC, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gyles on his well-deserved appointment to the Order of Canada,” said Dr. Joanne Hewson, OVC’s acting dean. “His pioneering contributions to veterinary pathology, his dedication to animal health and his leadership in education and research have positively impacted our profession and public health in Canada.”