Pathology

We study the interaction between animal hosts and pathogens that lies at the basis of infectious disease

Infectious disease is caused by the interaction of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or protozoa with their hosts, wild and domestic animals or human beings. Specific molecules originating from both the host and the pathogen determine the outcome of such interactions. In addition, progression and impact of infectious diseases is influenced by the specific environment of these hosts. Animals living under human care can be treated or vaccinated; however, such options are usually not available for wild animals. Even worse, infectious disease in wildlife often goes unnoticed, but can be a threat for wild and domestic animals as well as human beings.

Research within our group aims at understanding host-pathogen interactions and forms a bridge between studies at the molecular level and investigations into unusual morbidity and mortality of animals including wildlife.

Infectious Bronchitis in Birds caused by Coronavirus
At the beginning of the process leading to sick animals stands the first contact of pathogens with receptors located on various cells of the host. The characterization of these contacts allows a better understanding of diseases but also the development of specific options to prevent and treat these infectious diseases. Various coronaviruses occur in wild and domestic birds and cause a range of diseases. Better vaccines against these diseases are needed, and our research will contribute to their development.

Wildlife Mortality Incidents
We investigate around 500 unusual wildlife mortality incidents a year, through post-mortem examination of specimens submitted by the field. We collaborate with a large network of institutes for the additional diagnostic testing, and initiate further research on project-basis if necessary. Tissue-banking allows for retrospective studies. We also contribute to targeted wildlife disease surveillance/monitoring in the Netherlands, including the dead wild bird monitoring for avian influenza. Achievements over the past years include the detection and further investigation of zoonotic and wildlife diseases previously considered absent from the Netherlands,  such as tularemia, Usutu virus infection, ranavirus infection and tick-borne encephalitis.

Pathology as a discipline explains disease

As the discipline that explains disease, pathology plays an important role in analysing and explaining disease processes and final disease outcome in domestic and wild animals. We perform analyses at the animal, organ, tissue and cell level, with further evaluation at the molecular level if needed.

Applied Comparative Research
Domestic animals often suffer from similar diseases as human beings. We study such diseases, using animals as models for human disease. Our research, conducted in close collaboration with the clinical departments of the veterinary faculty and other scientific partners, provides important information about disease development and supports the development of treatment modalities. Currently, we use animal models in research into, for instance, spinal column and liver disease.

See also Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Centre. 

Harbor Porpoises and Other Whales
Assessment of the health status of whales stranded on the Dutch coast provides important information about the individual animals and the population. We need this information to ensure scientifically based measurements for the long term protection of these charismatic animals.

See also Strandings Investigation.