Diagnostics and Anatomic Pathology
The unit performs microbiological, anatomical-pathological, histological, mycological, and parasitological analyses to identify the aetiological causes of diseases in domestic animals and wildlife, providing expert opinions and interpretations based on laboratory results. It conducts research in the field of comparative oncology and on certain bacterial and parasitic agents responsible for zoonoses. It also manages and updates the Animal Tumour Registry of the Abruzzo Region.
The Diagnostic and Anatomopathology Unit conducts advanced investigations to identify the causes of diseases in domestic animals and wildlife.
Among its primary activities, the unit manages and updates the Animal Tumour Registry of the Abruzzo Region, a fundamental tool for epidemiological monitoring and the study of animal neoplasms, with significant implications for public health.
Starting from necropsy examinations on carcasses of domestic and wild animals, the unit employs both traditional and molecular techniques to diagnose infectious, bacterial, parasitic, and mycotic diseases, including zoonoses. Upon completion of the diagnostic process, expert opinions and interpretations are provided based on the laboratory results obtained. Histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses allow for an in-depth study of neoplastic, infectious, and metabolic diseases.
The unit also carries out microscopic and molecular investigations to detect animal constituents in feed intended for animal consumption as part of the control measures for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). In addition, several scientific studies are conducted in the field of comparative oncology and on bacterial and parasitic agents responsible for zoonoses, such as Brucella spp., Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and Echinococcus granulosus. Another area of interest is parasitology applied to phytosanitary issues, with particular attention to nematodes and Globodera spp. cysts.
To complete its activities, the unit collaborates with international reference laboratories for diseases such as Bluetongue, Brucellosis , and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). It also participates in interlaboratory proficiency testing schemes and provides expert support in forensic veterinary medicine, conducting examinations on animal carcasses involved in legal disputes or livestock losses due to predator attacks.
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Antonio Petrini
Head
He holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a postgraduate specialisation diploma in Animal Health, Livestock Production and Farming Systems, both from the University of Bologna. In 2017, he completed a management training course in Public Health and Healthcare Organisation at the University of Teramo. Since 2018, he has been Head of the Diagnostic and Histopathology Unit at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM).
He holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a postgraduate specialisation diploma in Animal Health, Livestock Production and Farming Systems, both from the University of Bologna. In 2017, he completed a management training course in Public Health and Healthcare Organisation at the University of Teramo. Since 2018, he has been Head of the Diagnostic and Histopathology Unit at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM).
He is the main contact person for the 2021–2025 Regional Prevention Plans (PRPs) of the Abruzzo and Molise Regions, coordinating all activities under the responsibility of IZSAM.
He serves as Project Leader for the Italian component of the European Commission Twinning project with Tunisia (Ref. TN 18ENI AG 01 21) entitled “Renforcement du dispositif national d’encadrement vétérinaire de la santé animale”, in partnership with France.
Since October 2022, he has also been supervising training and diagnostic activities related to the identification of parasitic pathogens in the plant health sector.
He has extensive international experience, having held various positions in leading international organisations, including:
- Coordinator of the Global Secretariat of the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) – FAO, Rome (2 years)
- Deputy Head of the North Africa Office of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – Tunis (5 years)
- Deputy Head of the Animal Health Information Department – WOAH Headquarters, Paris (5 years)
- Project Manager in the International Trade Department – WOAH Headquarters, Paris (2 years)
Over the course of his career, he has authored numerous publications, including more than 40 full-length papers in international journals, with a current H-Index of 12 (Scopus). He has also contributed as a supervisor or co-supervisor to several undergraduate, postgraduate, Master's, and PhD theses.
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