Research topics

The research activities of the Avian Pathology Unit cover the field of the infectious and parasitic diseases of poultry, rabbits and wild birds.

The main focus of research is the study of the epidemiological characteristics of Dermanyssus gallinae infections in poultry, the resistance of mites to acaricides and the development of alternative treatment strategies. Part of the research activity is dedicated to the detection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) from both livestock and wild animals, in order to unveil the genetic and genomic determinants of AMR and evaluate their transmissibility.

In addition, the antibacterial action of natural molecules against Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida isolates from poultry and rabbits is investigated with reference to the application of alternative methods for the control of the infectious diseases. In the field of wildlife, the research activity is focused on the study of Haemoprotozoa, with particular reference to Plasmodium sp, responsible for avian malaria. Investigations are also in progress to assess the effectiveness of some therapeutic treatments for the infections of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium spp in wild birds and penguins