Director: Dr Dainius Zienius
Deputy Director: Dr Irena Klimienė

Veterinary Institute of Lithuanian Veterinary Academy (further Institute) is a scientific institution involved in strategic, applied and basic research in field of veterinary medicine. The institute was established in 1960 with objectives to improve the situation on infectious and non-infectious diseases in farm animals in Lithuania.

The primarily goal of Institute is to conduct research and accumulate knowledge important for veterinary science, to protect animals from infectious diseases in Lithuania, and to promote the efficient communication of scientific results to the practical veterinarians and farmers. The research priorities of Institute are diagnostic, prophylaxy and treatment against most common in our region and European Union infectious diseases in farm animals and poultry. Since the establishment of Institute the scientists have defended 65 PhD and 7 Dr Vet Sci. Thesis, and were involved in 112 scientific and 27 jointed international projects including EU, NATO and National Scientific Foundation.

The main objectives of the research of Institute are as follows

Epidemiology, etiology and pathogenesis of diseases in domestic and wild animals, regulation of pathobiological process and defensive responses of the organism. Diagnostic, preventic and prophylactic measures of infection diseases in farm animals and poultry.

Department of Virology

Head Dr Vilimas Sereika, phone +370 615 15236, fax. +370 346 60697, e-mail: virus@is.lt. Field of research - molecular biology and philogenetic analysis of viruses, epidemiology of viral diseases in animals; development of diagnostic, treatment and preventive means, and control programmes.

Laboratory for Parasitology

Field of research - epidemiology of parasitic diseases; the influence of different nutrients on parasitical helminths in ruminants and monogastric animals; efficiency of different forms of anthelminthics in agriculture and pet animals, anthelmintic resistance.

Department of Bacteriology and Food Safety

Head Dr Marius Virgailis, phone +370 346 60693, fax +370 346 60697, e-mail: mariusvet@yahoo.com. Field of research - identification and selection of pathogenic bacteria for production of biological preparations and diagnostic kits; accumulation and isoliation of microorganisms; development and improvement of disinfection in farm animals.

Laboratory of Animal Welfare and Epidemiology

Field of research - epidemiology, development of diagnostic, preventive and treatment methods of most common infectious and non-infectious diseases in domestic and wild animals in Lithuania; reproductive diseases and mastitis in cows, metabolic diseases in ruminants.

Services

Diagnosis of viral and microbial infection in pigs, ruminants, carnivores and poultry using PCR and ELISA; detection and treatment of parasitic diseases in farm animals;
evaluation of efficacy of vaccination and detection of antimicrobial resistance;
production of antimicrobial vaccines using the local strains.

Wide range consultations including veterinarians and farmers on diagnostics, prophylaxy and treatment of infectious diseases in poultry and farm animals.