Bridging evolutionary immunology and aquatic animal health: from molecular surveillance to sustainable vaccine strategies

Dr. sci. vet. med. Vladimir Radosavljević, Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, focuses on aquatic animal health, molecular diagnostics, and applied immunology. His research addresses viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens across a range of animals, with a particular emphasis on freshwater fish species. Recent studies include the emergence and persistence of Cyprinid herpesvirus 2 in Prussian carp, as well as global surveillance of antimicrobial resistance through sewage metagenomics. He leads the development of autogenous vaccines in aquaculture, specifically designed for farm-level pathogens, combining epidemiological and immunological data to reduce antibiotic use while enhancing biosecurity and animal welfare. His research also tackles environmental challenges, such as cyanobacterial blooms and chemical-induced fish mortality, highlighting the connections between ecosystem health and sustainable aquaculture practices. Within EVIM-NET, he aims to advance understanding of immune diversity, develop standardized immunological assays, and apply evolutionary insights to vaccine design. He is committed to mentoring young researchers and promoting knowledge exchange with policy makers, diagnostic laboratories, and industry partners. His work integrates molecular tools, ecoimmunology, and veterinary practice to strengthen immune function and promote sustainable health management across aquatic and terrestrial animal populations.