Laboratory of Anatomy & Physiology of Farm Animals

Research Topics

Research activities of the Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals cover a wide range of disciplines including Anatomy, Histology-Embryology, Physiology, Microbiology and Hygiene of farm animals. Research fields of the academic staff include:

  • Neuroendocrinology of reproduction.

  • Interactions between nutrition and reproduction.

  • Developmental programming.

  • Epigenetic mechanisms of developmental programming.

  • Cellular development of enteric nervous system in chicken embryo using histochemistry and immunehistochemistry.

  • Embryonic organogenesis of the chicken.

  • Histochemistry and Immunohistochemistry applications for the study of organophosphates and carbamates toxicity.

  • Health and welfare of farm animals and farm hygiene.

  • Epidemiology of infectious and parasitic farm animal diseases.

  • Interactions between genotype, environmental factors and farm animal diseases.

  • Herd health management.

  • Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound diagnostic applications in livestock science.

  • Diagnostic investigation of infectious diseases using molecular tools and analytical nanotechnology.

  • Quality control of laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases.

  • Host-pathogen interactions for animal infectious diseases, with emphasis on zoonoses.

  • Contribution of microbial pathogens to the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases

Research Projects

European research projects

  • Design of Effective and sustainable control strategies for LIVER fluke in Europe (DELIVER)

  • Multiparametric detection of bio-molecule conjugated nanoparticles for the diagnostic investigation of mycobacterial infections of humans and animals (Coordinator)

  • Analysis and control of egg contamination by Salmonella and other zoonotic pathogens after the move of laying hens to enriched cages and alternative housing systems (SAFEHOUSE)

  • “ConFluTech” European research program for training and harmonization of flu techniques in general and bird flu in particular

  • Multi faced research in rabbits: a model to develop a healthy and safe production in respect with animal welfare. European Cooperation in Science and Technology. COST 848 Action. 2000-2005.

  • Veterinary Network of Laboratories Researching into Improved Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Mycobacterial Diseases. Coordination action. 2004.

  • Design of Effective and sustainable control strategies for LIVER fluke in Europe (DELIVER). FP6-FOOD. 2006-2009.

  • Multiparametric detection of bio-molecule conjugated nanoparticles for the diagnostic investigation of mycobacterial infections of humans and animals (NANOMYC). FP6-LIFESCIHEALTH. 2007-2010.

  • Capacity building for the control of Avian influenza through technology transfer and training (ConFluTech). FP6-POLICIES. 2007-2012.

  • Epigenetics and Periconception Environment – Periconception environment as an Epigenomic lever for optimising food production and health in livestock. (EPICONCEPT) COST FA1201: 2012-2016.

  • Small Ruminant Assist Training (Alltech-SRAT). ALLTECH©. 2018-2019.

  • Post mortem examination and histology of bird carcasses collected following the application of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos. Tier3 solutions GmbH (Germany) for Corteva AgriscienceTM, The Agriculture Division of DowDuPontTM. 2013-2020.

  • Swine diseases field diagnostic toolbox (SWINOSTICS). Horizon 2020. 2018-2021.

  • European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT). Cost Action, CA18217. 2019-2023.

  • Disseminating Innovation Solutions for Antibiotic Resistance Management» (DISARM). Horizon 2020. 2019-2022.

National research projects

  • Study of the effect of maternal nutrition during gestation on physiological and production traits of their offspring in sheep», EPEAEK ‘PITHAGORAS’ 2004-2008.

  • Biosecurity control of animal-derived foods for children. ΧΜ ΕΟΧ 2004-2009 and Ministry of Finance. 2009-2011.

  • Study of the effect of maternal undernutrition, during late gestation and/or lactation, on physiological traits of female and male offspring in sheep». HAO-Demeter. 2011-2013.

  • Vaccine-based control of paratuberculosis. Aristeia ΙΙ. 2014.

  • Development of innovative diets to improve sheep milk quality (FEED FOR MILK). Operational Program Western Greece 2014-2020, Action: Strengthening Development and Innovation Research Plans and RIS3 Priority Area “AGRICULTURE”. 2019-2020.

  • Epidemiological investigation of foot lameness, assessment of relevant risk factors and development of a protocol for its diagnosis, prediction and control in intensive dairy sheep flocks. Operational Program ‘Development of Human Resources, Education and Lifelong Learning 2014-2020. ‘Support of Researchers with emphasis on Young Researchers-Second call’. 2020-2021.

  • A comprehensive approach against ovine progressive pneumonia for the preservation and sustainability of Chios sheep farms. Application of early disease-detection systems and generation of virus-free breeding stocks (RETROFREE). 1st Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects for the support of Academics, Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation. 2020-2022

Participation in Organizations

The laboratory staff participates in National and International Organizations such as:

  • IDF “Animal Health” Standing Committee

  • World Rabbit Science Association, Greek Branch, Country Representative

  • International Society for Animal Hygiene, Greek Branch, Country Representative

  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Education Resources