Specialized training in laboratory diagnostics and basic primary animal health care (PAHC) and livestock production in veterinary parasitology

Project team: P.T. Matjila, A. Samkange, F. Mulandane

The Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases (DVTD) is one of five departments in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.  It is a research-intensive department and has established itself as a leader in many areas, particularly those related to teaching and research in veterinary parasitology and infectious diseases. It has successfully established collaborations with both local and international institutions and has experienced significant growth in the presentation of short courses, for continuing education, professional development and the training of postgraduate students.  

Since May 2009, the World Animal Health Organisation (WOAH) has recognised the DVTD and its consortium partners as a Collaborating Centre for Training in Integrated Livestock and Wildlife Health and Management. The DVTD boasts well developed infrastructure and several South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredited laboratories under its umbrella for training, research and diagnostic service purposes. This also includes a BSL 2+ facility. There are nine laboratories, including virology, molecular biology, serology, bacteriology, parasitology and molecular laboratories. The DVTD has a history of developing and presenting laboratory skills training and short courses in the diagnosis of protozoa, ecto-parasites and helminths, including training in basic primary animal health care and livestock production, related to veterinary parasitology.