Our research function occupies a unique position in Africa. We have the largest number of clinical specialists on the continent, including many European and American certified specialists.
Among other things, we investigate small animal and equine infectious diseases that commonly occur in Africa, as well as relevant anatomy, diseases and clinical conditions in African wildlife. The research is done in line with the research themes of the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and is often multidisciplinary. Our research themes also support postgraduate training and are driven by senior staff members.
Learn more about our research expertise and academic experts.
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Prof Johan SchoemanBVSc, MMedVet(Med), PhD, DSAM, Dipl. ECVIM Tel: +27(0) 12 529 8095 Prof Schoeman has an overarching research interest in the effect of infectious organisms and inflammation on the host response (babesiosis, parvovirus infection, dog bite wounds and snake envenomation being prime examples), He is particularly interested in the endocrine response to critical illness, especially those induced by the four disease models referred to above. Areas of study within the pathobiology research theme include changes in the normal physiology of animals brought about by disease processes, for example, changes in gut permeability in parvovirus infection. An integral component of this theme includes disease diagnostics; from clinical changes observed in the patient to diagnostic imaging perturbations, clinical pathological changes, pathological changes and molecular study of disease processes - canine babesiosis features strongly here. Moreover, the theme also involves the description of new pathological agents and/or toxins and the epidemiology of animal disease, such as snake envenomation and prognosis across different seasons and rainfall patterns, and its impact on human health. |
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Prof Amelia GoddardBVSc, BVSc(Hons), MMedVet, PhD Tel: +27(0) 12 529 8293 Prof Goddard’s main research focus is on the complex interaction and interdependence between the inflammatory and haemostatic systems in systemic inflammation, using various animal models such as canine babesiosis, canine parvovirus enteritis, canine spirocercosis, snake envenomation and African horse sickness. The main objective of her research is to expand on current knowledge on the host response in systemic inflammation, specifically its effect on haemostasis. It has resulted in the identification of various biomarkers that may assist with prognostication in systemic inflammatory conditions. Prof Goddard has also been involved in several wildlife projects, specifically the validation of various assays for use in wildlife and creation of normal reference intervals. In addition, she has also investigating changes of acute phase proteins in various wildlife species. |
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Prof Gerhard SteenkampBSc, BVSc, PhD Tel: +27(0) 12 529 8492 Prof Steenkamp is interested in clinical research, mainly pertaining to the maxillofacial surgery and dentistry of small animals and wildlife. These interests include the biomechanic basis of jaw fractures, neoplasia of the maxillofacial complex as well as reconstructive surgery of the facial and oral structures. His research into wildlife is mainly focused on understanding the natural occurrence of dental and maxillofacial conditions and how this may be used to support animal welfare in captivity. Some of his work on rhino have also helped to support the conservation of this iconic species. He currently has a research programme on understanding the diseases that occur in marine mammals and birds on Marion Island, and how some of these species may be used as sentinels for the southern oceans. |
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