Veterinary science research

Key researchers: Michael Ward, Victoria Brookes, Ruth Zadoks, Navneet Dhand, Alexandra Green,  John House, Jacqueline Norris, Jennie Mohler, Sam Rowe, Harish Tiwari, Jenny-Ann Toribio, Denis Verwilghen, Peter Windsor, Jose Quinteros, Nichola Calvani, Russell Bush, Paul Sheehy, Katrina Bosward, Richard Whittington, Carola Venturini, Francisca Samsing Pedrals, Emily Francis, Cicilia Muller, Vincenzo Costa

Focusing on populations, we study the spread of infectious diseases to identify and implement interventions to protect and promote health of animals, people and the environment and reduce the burden of infectious diseases.

This includes important pathogens and diseases of livestock (e.g. Mycoplasma, African Swine Fever, Johne’s disease, Pinkeye (Moraxella), and Salmonella), companion animals (e.g. leptospirosis, parvovirus, brucellosis), wildlife (e.g. Hendra virus) and humans (e.g. Q fever, rabies, brucellosis).

Key researchers: Merran Govendir, Rachael Gray, Neil Horadagoda, Mark Krockenberger, Tony Mogg, Jacqueline Norris, Carola Venturini, Michael Ward, Ruth Zadoks, Jan Slapeta, Denis Verwilghen, Peter Windsor, Jose Quinteros, Francisca Samsing Pedrals, Sam Rowe

This area focuses on changes in antimicrobial susceptibility and the rise of antimicrobial resistance across populations and within species for many of the major animal and human pathogens.

In the area of antimicrobial stewardship, the School of Veterinary Science has led the development and ongoing innovations in the AMR Vet Collective and the Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship online learning program with colleagues nationally. 

Research groups

• Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit

Key researchers:  Mark Krockenberger, Katrina Bosward, Om Dhungyel, David Emery,  Rachael Gray, Damien Higgins, John House, Marianne Keller, Andrew McPherson, Jennie Mohler, Luisa Monteiro de Miranda, Jacqueline Norris, David Phalen, Karren Plain, Hannah Pooley, Auriol Purdie, Francisco Samsing Pedrals, Jan Slapeta, Paul Sheehy, Carola Venturini, Ruth Zadoks, Belinda Wright, Peter Windsor, Jose Quinteros, Nichola Calvani, Russell Bush, Richard Whittington, Sam Rowe, Emily Francis, Cicilia Muller, Sally Coggins, Vincenzo Costa, Lee Campbell

This area explores the host, pathogen and environmental interactions associated with disease manifesting in a wide variety of species such as companion animals, livestock (both terrestrial and aquatic) and wildlife as well as the humans interacting with them. We are utilising a One Health approach where appropriate.

Research groups

• Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit

Key researchers: Damien Higgins, Mark Krockenberger, David Phalen, Luisa Miranda, Valentina Mella, Belinda Wright, Andrea Casteriano

Integrating pathobiology, genomics, and disease and behavioural ecology, our research ranges from foundational to applied. The methods and knowledge we develop improve outcomes for koalas in care and inform policy and planning for management of koalas endangered in the wild.

A major focus is understanding drivers of diseases and their management in the context of the many threats facing koalas.

Our research is guided and achieves real-life impact through close cross-sector engagement with government, other universities, and the koala rehabilitation community.

Research groups

• Koala Health Hub

Key researchers: Rachael Gray

Current research includes treatment trials to mitigate hookworm disease in Australian sea lions, monitoring of health status and disease in free-ranging pinnipeds (including Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella spp., evaluation of anthropogenic noise on declining Australian fur seal populations.

In addition to the investigation of the role of anthropogenic toxicants including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (PCBS, dioxins and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances -PFAS) on the health and disease status of Australian pinnipeds.

Key researchers: Merran Govendir, Benjamin Kimble

Wildlife species can be subjected to trauma (such as being hit by cars or caught in bushfires) and can be affected by diseases.

Many injured and diseased animals are taken to wildlife hospitals for treatments and are administered analgesics and antibiotics to support their recovery.

Considering the unique physiology of each species, the veterinary pharmacology unit at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science undertakes research to find the best medicines, and optimises the dosage, to improve the chances of survival of many wildlife species.   

Key Researchers: David Phalen, Jan Slapeta, Damien Higgins, Mark Krockenberger, Belinda Wright, Peter Windsor, Michael Ward, Katrina Bosward, Vincenzo Costa, Lee Campbell

A few diseases of iconic species, such as the Tasmanian devil, are well known. However, there is a growing number of diseases of unknown cause appearing in other, less iconic species, with potential to impact biodiversity or human and livestock health.

We use a combination of advanced DNA sequencing, pathology and surveillance techniques to resolve these diseases, assess their significance to these and other species, and determine their underlying drivers.

Research groups

• Koala Health Hub
• Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome Project

Key Researchers: Jacqueline Norris, David Phalen, Richard Malik

Australian zoos are a key player in the conservation of endangered felids (lions and tigers) globally such as the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger.

Investigation of key infectious and non-infectious diseases such as renal disease, osteoarthritis, lentiviruses are a focus of our research in collaboration with colleagues at zoos across Australia.

We have validated and standardised diagnostic tests suitable for non-domestic felids and used these tools to investigate critical diseases affecting these populations to inform treatment, management and prevention.

Key researchers: Roslyn Bathgate, Christopher Grupen, Russell Bush, Sam Rowe

Improving and preserving the fertility of farm and wildlife animals is the focus of our research endeavours.

To achieve this goal, we strive to better understand the underlying reproductive biology in different species, develop strategies to enhance the efficiency of breeding programs, and refine the application of advanced reproductive technologies.

In livestock species, this contributes to greater productivity and food security, while in wildlife species, this supports conservation efforts to maintain genetic diversity.

Research groups

• Animal Reproduction Group University of Sydney (ARGUS) 

Key researchers: Francisca Samsing Pedrals, Ruth Zadoks, Richard Whittington,  Carola Venturini, Vincenzo Costa

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food-producing sectors on the planet. Recent increases in production, however, have largely been achieved through intensification of existing farming systems, resulting in higher risks of disease.

Our research program focuses on understanding and providing solutions for production-limiting diseases of aquatic animals, considering the role of the host, microorganisms and our management of their environment.

We use an array of tools including epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, and ‘omics to investigate diseases affecting farmed and wild fish populations.

We also work on the development of novel technologies for the sustainable increase of aquaculture production and the improvement of fish welfare.

Key researchers: Kate Mills, Ingrid van Gelderen, Sanaa Zaki, Paul Sheehy, Samantha Livingstone, Sam Rowe, Cicilia Muller

To enhance student learning, educational experiences need to be meaningful and relevant. Veterinary educators must prepare students for working as a veterinary professional and good teaching foregrounds the student experience, actively engages the learner in authentic activities, and flexibly adapts to variation in learning style.

We are seeking ways that advance the educational experience for veterinary science students so that they are well prepared for the transition to veterinary professional practice.

Current research is focused on teaching and learning clinical skills and strategies that foster the development of evaluative judgement and learner self-efficacy.

Key researchers: Ingrid Mabin, Sanaa Zaki, Anne Quain, Russell Bush, Samantha Livingstone

High levels of mental distress are reported in the veterinary profession both here in Australia and overseas. The risk of early career attrition is concerning, and the industry is challenged by a lack of experienced veterinarians.

Our research seeks to frame what resilience and self-management looks like for veterinary professionals. We seek to identify those strategies and supports that enable veterinarians to sustain a thriving career as a veterinary professional.

Key researchers: Jaime Gongora, Peter Windsor, Russell Bush

As a veterinary education provider, the School of Veterinary Science recognises the ever-increasing importance of cultural competence in professional practice and research that will advance the health and welfare of animals and people.

This field aims to enhance cultural competence in staff and students and understand the factors that enable effective interaction with clients and communities across cultures.

Capacity building is considered fundamental for engaging communities in the protection of biodiversity and socioeconomic development in less developed countries.

This field aims to enhance capacity in local communities to document and protect biodiversity and develop sustainable nature-based economic enterprises.