Veterinary Microbiologist
OFO No: 213108
Other names for Veterinary Microbiologist:
Bacteriologist
Clinical Evaluation Advisor
Microbiology Researcher
Viral Serologist
Virologist
What is a Veterinary Microbiologist?
Veterinary Microbiologists study different micro-organisms that cause diseases in animals.
A Veterinary Microbiologist studies biology, ecology, etiology, bacteriology, virology and immunology of micro-organisms and they spend a lot of time researching causes of diseases in animals.
They prepare laboratory cultures of micro-organisms taken from body fluids and tissues of sick animals and identify them by microscopic examination and bacteriological tests.
The field of microbiology has grown into an exciting area of science in which students can learn to explore the diversity of micro-organisms, their make-up, functions as well as their relationships with other organisms with new and advanced technical approaches such as:
- DNA fingerprinting
- fluorescent and electron microscopy
- biosensor development
Veterinary Microbiologists can specialize in bacteria causing animal diseases and be known as Veterinary Bacteriologists. They can also specialize in the study of viruses and be known as Veterinary Virologist.
What does a Veterinary Microbiologist do?
- prepares laboratory cultures of micro-organisms
- identifies cultures through microscopic examination and bacteriological tests
- tests virulence of pathogenic organisms
- observes effects of inoculations on laboratory and other animals
- investigates efficiency of antibiotics, antigens and other preventative medicines
- attends lectures, conferences
- keeps up to date with education courses
Are you … ?
- passionate about animals and science?
- inquisitive?
- detail orientated?
- interested in laboratory work?
- dedicated?
- a good communicator?
- able to write reports?
- able to work with dead animal parts?
- goal driven?
How do I become a Veterinary Microbiologist?
A Veterinary Microbiologist may be required to hold degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
Look under Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Technologist/Technician on our website for more details.
The UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA and the WITWATERSRAND offer various courses to become a Veterinary Microbiologist.
SANAS: South African National Accredition System
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Health Technician … or … Veterinary Nurse
Is becoming a Veterinary Microbiologist the right career choice for me?
