Work in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology aims to understand pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of protection and pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

The Department hosts the SACIDS Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals whose focus is to address infectious diseases in the African endemic settings through a collaborative effort between natural and social sciences to advance the understanding of interactions between humans, animals and the environment to improve public and animal health.