Zuhal Önder | Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Zuhal Önder is a distinguished researcher specializing in veterinary parasitology and health sciences, affiliated with Erciyes University. Her research focuses on zoonotic diseases, parasitology, and the molecular detection of pathogens in animals. Önder has contributed significantly to understanding parasitic infections in both domestic and wild animals, particularly concerning zoonotic parasites that pose risks to human health. She has published extensively in SCI-Expanded journals, with notable studies on topics such as avian parasites, Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in animals like horses, cattle, and domestic pigeons. Her work also involves the molecular characterization of parasites like Dientamoeba fragilis in pet birds and the detection of resistance in strongyle nematode eggs in horses. Internationally recognized through her ORCID, Publons, and Scopus IDs, Önder collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, advancing veterinary parasitology while addressing global concerns of zoonotic transmissions.

Assoc. Prof. Zuhal Önder’s research interests primarily focus on veterinary parasitology, with an emphasis on molecular parasitology and zoonotic diseases. Her work involves the detection, characterization, and genetic diversity of parasitic infections in animals, particularly those with implications for public health. She is especially interested in the molecular identification of parasites such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Enterocytozoon, exploring their zoonotic potential in domestic and farm animals. Her research includes developing advanced molecular diagnostic tools, such as PCR techniques, to detect and genotype parasites in various species, including horses, cattle, water buffaloes, and birds. Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Önder investigates the impact of parasitic infections on the health and productivity of animals, contributing to veterinary medicine’s understanding of parasite-host dynamics. Her studies also address parasite resistance to treatments, aiming to improve strategies for controlling parasitic diseases in animals and preventing their transmission to humans.

Assoc. Prof. Zuhal Önder possesses extensive research skills, particularly in veterinary parasitology and molecular biology. Her expertise includes designing and conducting molecular diagnostic tests such as allele-specific PCR and multiplex PCR, which are pivotal for detecting parasitic infections in animals. She is proficient in genetic characterization, as demonstrated by her work on zoonotic parasites like Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis species. Additionally, she has significant experience in the analysis of genetic diversity and mitochondrial genome sequencing, contributing to the understanding of parasite transmission and resistance mechanisms. Her research integrates fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and bioinformatics, enabling her to investigate parasitic diseases across a variety of host species, including livestock, pets, and wild animals. Through her numerous publications in high-impact journals, Önder showcases her ability to address zoonotic concerns and enhance the understanding of parasitology in both veterinary and public health contexts.