LABORATORY
Anatomy & Physiology of Farm Animals

The 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.
  • 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