Veterinary science research
Transforming animal health and welfare through research
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Infectious diseases and biosecurity remain two of the most critical global issues
We aim to understand the infection process in individuals and populations, so that disease control and prevention practices can be applied to protect animal, human and ecosystem health.ÌýOur research focuses onÌýinfection, immunity, disease control and prevention, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance,Ìý and antimicrobial stewardship.
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Key researchers: Michael Ward,ÌýVictoria Brookes,ÌýRuth Zadoks,ÌýNavneet Dhand,ÌýAlexandra Green,ÌýÌýJohn House,ÌýJacqueline Norris,ÌýJennie Mohler,ÌýSam Rowe,ÌýHarish Tiwari,ÌýJenny-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
FocusingÌýon 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:ÌýMerran Govendir,ÌýRachael Gray,ÌýNeil Horadagoda,ÌýMark Krockenberger,ÌýTony Mogg,ÌýJacqueline Norris,ÌýCarola Venturini,ÌýMichael Ward,ÌýRuth 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 theÌýÌýand theÌýÌýonline learning program with colleagues nationally.Ìý
Research groups
Key researchers:ÌýÌýMark Krockenberger,ÌýKatrina Bosward,ÌýOm Dhungyel,ÌýDavid Emery,ÌýÌýRachael Gray,ÌýDamien Higgins,ÌýJohn House,ÌýMarianne Keller,Ìý,ÌýJennie Mohler,ÌýLuisa Monteiro de Miranda,ÌýJacqueline Norris,ÌýDavid Phalen,ÌýKarren Plain,ÌýHannah Pooley,ÌýAuriol Purdie,Ìý,ÌýJan Slapeta,ÌýPaul Sheehy,ÌýCarola Venturini,ÌýRuth Zadoks,ÌýBelinda 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
We want to ensure that the implications of the way we care for animals – including the impacts on human wellbeing and the environment – are understood so that 'One Welfare' can be supported.
This work focuses on empowering veterinary professionals to accurately assess and improve animal welfare. We aim to equip them with the skills to address pain and promote positive emotional states in animals, while also preparing them to navigate ethical challenges. The research integrates animal welfare science, ethics, law, and husbandry to develop practical strategies for individuals and organisations.
Key researchers:ÌýAnne Quain, Imke Tammen
Veterinary team members commonly encounter ethically challenging situations (ECS) in their daily work.
Poorly managed ECS may lead to animal welfare compromise or escalating conflict. They may also lead to moral stress and moral distress, negatively impacting the wellbeing of veterinary team members, leading to job turnover or career attrition.
We are seeking to identify the types of ECS encountered by veterinary team members, and strategies to assist veterinary team members for resolving these in alignment with their values.
Research groups:
Key researchers:ÌýAnne Quain, Michelle Campbell-Ward, Russell Bush, Bidda Jones, Cicilia Muller
One Welfare refers to the inextricable relationship between animal welfare, human wellbeing and environmental sustainability, and aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (OIE) sustainable development goals. Prioritising one element without considering the others risks unintended harms.
This theme seeks to understand the relationships between animal welfare, human wellbeing and environmental sustainability, determine interventions that promote all three, and develop, promote and implement policies and practices that promote One Welfare.
Research groups:
Key researchers:ÌýPeter White,ÌýDominique Van der Saag,ÌýMerran Govendir,ÌýSanaa Zaki
Animal pain is a significant animal welfare issue, particularly in livestock production systems where routine husbandry procedures cause pain and discomfort to animals.
Changing social views regarding animal welfare are leading producers to offer best-practice methods in animal production. This theme seeks to develop new ways of treating and recognising animal pain with the aim being to improve animal welfare.Ìý ÌýÌý
Most of Australia’s wildlife species can't be found anywhere else in the world. In the face of rapid environmental change, their health is critical to their welfare and continued existence, and to the health and prosperity of the livestock and people that share their ecosystems.
Our diverse research and cross-sector engagement underpins wildlife management policy and action that ranges from clinical interventions to targeted population and ecosystem management.
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Key researchers:ÌýDamien Higgins,ÌýMark Krockenberger,ÌýDavid Phalen,ÌýLuisa Miranda,ÌýValentina Mella,ÌýBelinda Wright,Ìý
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
Key researchers:ÌýRachael 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:ÌýMerran Govendir,ÌýBenjamin 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.Ìý Ìý
Key Researchers:ÌýDavid Phalen,ÌýJan Slapeta,ÌýDamien Higgins,ÌýMark Krockenberger,ÌýBelinda 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
Key Researchers:ÌýJacqueline Norris,ÌýDavid Phalen,ÌýRichard 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.
Our aims are to provide the students of the School of Veterinary Science with exposure to the use of evidence-based practice in clinical settings as they progress through the degree.
We aim to add to the growing body of evidence in veterinary literature, to provide an expanded basis for this approach.ÌýÌý
Key researchers:ÌýJohn House,ÌýSam Rowe,ÌýJennie Mohler, Jan Slapeta, Peter Windsor, Imke Tammen, Jose Quinteros, Nichola Calvani, Jenny-Ann Toribio,Ìý Christopher Grupen, Russell Bush, Paul Sheehy, Om Dhungyel, Richard Whittington, Navneet Dhand, Sam Rowe, Emily Francis
Livestock production is a key industry for Australia. Our research program focuses on understanding and providing solutions for health, welfare and production-limiting diseases of livestock.
We monitor the health and production of herds and flocks to identify health, welfare and production constraints. Tools derived from or developed by the team and/or through collaboration with others are applied to manage and prevent disease and promote animal health.Ìý
Research groups
Key researchers:ÌýCraig Ruaux,ÌýMary Thompson,ÌýChristine Griebsch, Anne Quain, Jacqueline Norris, Paul Sheehy, Cicilia Muller, Sally Coggins
Dogs and cats are an integral component of many households in Australia. Finding solutions to identifying disease risk, obtaining early diagnosis, and efficient and effective monitoring of response of disease to treatment is key to support this animal-human bond.
Prevention of disease and provision of the best care based on evidence, is a key component of the research undertaken.
Key researchers: Rachel Basa, Christopher Tan
Dogs and cats are an integral component of many households in Australia. As is seen in people, dogs and cats can endure chronic joint and other orthopaedic problems.
Research into understanding the development of these diseases and their management is a major component of the work. Rehabilitation to improve recover from surgery and injury is another important area of research.
Our research programs aim to provide solutions for production-limiting diseases and enhance the efficiency of breeding programs using advanced reproductive technologies, to help improving agricultural and aquaculture productivity of food producers.
Key researchers:ÌýRoslyn 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
Key researchers:ÌýFrancisca Samsing Pedrals,ÌýRuth Zadoks, Richard Whittington,Ìý 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.
We investigate and characterise diversity and variation in animals with the aim to improve welfare, health and production in companion animals, livestock and wildlife; and to revise systematics of reptiles and amphibians.
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Key researchers:ÌýJaime Gongora, Belinda Wright, Lee Campbell
The aim of this research is to understand the nature of variation of genes and whole genomes underlying speciation, immune response, gene evolution and diseases in a range of animals including crocodiles, platypuses, peccaries, pigs, chickens, camels and antelopes.
This informs wildlife conservation programs to save species from extinction, how species adapt to environmental challenges and how genetic diversity influences biodiversity and population structure and demographics.Ìý
Key researchers:ÌýImke Tammen,ÌýBianca Waud, Jose Quinteros, Jaime Gongora,ÌýSally Coggins, Lee Campbell
We are investigating inherited diseases and traits with an effect on biomedical conditions and economically important traits in livestock and companion animals.
The aim is to characterise these diseases and traits, to identify the underlying variation on DNA level, and to develop tests that can be used by animal owners to make informed decisions when breeding animals.
Many of the conditions are considered as valuable models for human diseases.
Key researchers:ÌýFrank Nicholas, Imke Tammen, Peter Windsor
Ìý(OMIA) is a freely available, curated, online knowledgebase with up-to-date summary information on the known harmful and beneficial variants in animals, together with background information on known inherited disorders and beneficial traits.
Key researchers:ÌýImke Tammen, Frank Nicholas, Bianca Waud
Ìý(AHIDA) will be a portal for reporting and surveillance of inherited diseases in animals in Australia, with entry points for researchers, veterinarians, animal owners and genotyping providers.
The Ronald Anstee bequest supports the development of AHIDA and the portal was launched in 2024.
Key researchers:ÌýGlenn Shea
Revision of the systematics of several groups of Australasian and Indopacific reptiles and amphibians, primarily using morphology. Some projects include a genetic component, in collaboration with researchers at other institutions.
The various subprojects include examination of specimens in museum collections around Australia and elsewhere in the world, including in some cases assessment of reproductive status and stomach contents to inform knowledge of diet and reproduction, as well as size at maturity, sexual dimorphism and allometric growth, which are partitioned from geographic variation.ÌýÌý
Our research aims to advance educational experiences for veterinary science students so that they are well prepared to transition to veterinary professional practice.ÌýOurÌýveterinary teaching hospitalsÌýare integralÌýinÌýtraining the next generation of veterinarians.
Veterinary professionals are challenged by various job demands that comprise personal and contextual characteristics. Tools and methods are needed to strengthen and enhance the capacity of individuals and organisations to adapt and respond; so that a thriving veterinary profession can meet the needs of their communities.
Key researchers:ÌýKate Mills,ÌýIngrid van Gelderen,ÌýSanaa 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:ÌýIngrid Mabin,ÌýSanaa 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:ÌýJaime 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.
