Prof. dr. Sarne De Vliegher

Contact

Experience

Nominations and prizes

  • 2013: Nominated for the Hermes award, Ghent University
  • 2015: Journal of Dairy Science most-cited award in Physiology and Management (De Vliegher et al., 2012. Invited Review: Mastitis in Dairy Heifers: Nature of the Disease, Potential Impact, Prevention and Control. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1025-1040; doi:10.3168/jds.2011-4074.
  • 2018: Westagro, Inc Award American Dairy Science Association   

Qualifications

  • DVM (UGent, Belgium), 1998
  • Judicial expert (UGent, Belgium), 2003
  • PhD in Veterinary Science (UGent, Belgium), 2004
  • Master of Science in Veterinary Epidemiology and Animal Health Economics (Utrecht University, The Netherlands), 2004
  • Laboratory Animal Science FELASA-C (UGent, Belgium), 2006
  • Diplomate European College of Veterinary Public Health, 2006

Aditional training

  • Basics of statistical inference (UGent, Belgium)
  • Analysis of variance, regression analysis (UGent, Belgium)
  • Multilevel modeling (University of Prince Edward Island, AVC, Canada)
  • Parametric analysis of continuous and discrete data (UGent, Belgium)
  • Categorical data-analysis (UGent, Belgium)
  • Longitudinal data-analysis (UGent, Belgium)
  • Experimental study design (UGent, Belgium)
  • Management skills (EHSAL Management School, Brussels, Belgium)
  • Management, marketing, and communication for veterinarians (Wageningen Business School, The Netherlands)
  • Top Veterinary (AUV - UHasselt and UGent)

Research

PhD defended 26 November 2004

  • Title: Udder health in dairy heifers: some epidemiological and microbiological aspects
  • Promotors: Prof. dr. Dr. h.c. A. de Kruif, PhD, Dipl. ECAR, Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Ghent University, Belgium and Prof. dr. H.W. Barkema, PhD, University of Calgary, Canada
  • Copromotor: Prof. dr. G. Opsomer, PhD, MSc, Dipl. ECAR, Dipl. ECBHM, Department of Obstetrics, Reproduction and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium

PhD students

Current
  • Helena Reydams: MVetMed (The role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in bovine mastitis) - with F. Haesebrouck (UGent)
  • Lien Creytens: Research and implementation of "on-practice culture" as a basis for more rational and reduced antibiotic use and better economic results on Flemish dairy farms

  • Gregory Rota: Probiotic protection by bovine-associated non-aureus staphylococci against mastitis in dairy cows– With Prof. E. Meyer (UGent) and Prof. D. Thiry (ULiège)

  • Ana Dumont: Development and validation of an immortalized epithelial cell line from bovine teat. – With Prof F. Souza (USP)

 

 

ECVPH interns and residents

2014-2015 Ameline Wuytack, MVetMed
2011-2012 Dimitri Valckenier, MVetMed

 

Visitors

2023
  • Ana Oliveira Dumont, Brasil, PhD student
  • José Augusto Ferronatto, Brasil, PhD student
  • Silvia Beschi, Italy, DVM
2022
  • Prof. dr. Fernando Nogueira de Souza, Brasil
2017
  • Dr. Fernando Nogueira de Souza, Brasil, Phd, Postdoc
  • Guilherme Santana de Moura, Brazil, PhD student
  • Michel Flavia, Brazil, PhD student
2014
  • Prof. dr. Greg Keefe, Atlantic Veterinary College, Canada
  • Fernando Nogueira de Souza, Brasil, PhD student
2012 Prof. dr. Petra Zrimsek, Clinic for Reproduction and Horses, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
2009-2010 Prof. dr. Ynte Schukken, Cornell University, US (Francqui Chair)

Classes

  • Veterinary law and deontology
  • Veterinary practice management
  • Udder health and milk quality
  • Postgraduate courses
    • Udder health and milk quality
    • Veterinary law and deontology
    • Veterinary epidemiology

Memberships

Faculty

Member of the Faculty board (2022-2026)

Member of the Faculty board, representative of the junior and senior research scientists (2006-2008)

Secretary of the Health Safety Environment Committee (2006-2018)

Supervisor of health and well-being of the laboratory animals (2004-2012)

Member of the Faculty disciplinary committee (2015-current)

National

Advisory board IKM/QFL/QMK (2010-2016)

Advisory board Codiplan (2010-2013)

Belvetex (Belgian Veterinarian Experts) (2004-present)

Chair of the Boehringer Ingelheim udder health forum Belgium (2012-present)

Flemish Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (FSVEE)

Editorial board of O24Vets, Newsletter on Veterinary Law and Practice Management (Story Publishers) (2010-2013)

International

National Mastitis Council (US)

  • International advisory committee (2006-2013) (Chair 2012-2013)
  • Research committee (2008-2013)

European Mastitis Panel (MSD Animal Health)

Global Milk Quality Expert Forum (Boehringer Animal Health)

Conferences

  • Member of the program committee for the 2008 NMC meeting in New Orleans, US
  • Chair of the organising and scientific committees of the Heifer mastitis conference, Belgium (2007)
  • Member of the organising committee of the 4th WAFL conference, Belgium (2008)
  • Member of the organising committee of the 13th ESDAR conference, Belgium (2009)
  • Member of the organising committee of the 14th ICPD conference, Belgium (2010)
  • Chair and organiser of the Seminar on coagulase-negative staphylococci in the bovine, Belgium (2010)
  • Member of the scientific committee of the 6th European Congress of Bovine Health Management, Belgium (2011)
  • Member of the scientific committee of the International conference on udder health and communication, The Netherlands (2011)
  • Member of the program committee for the 2012 NMC meeting St. Pete Beach, Florida, US
  • Member of the program committee for the 2013 NMC meeting San Diego, US
  • Member of the program committee for the 2014 NMC meeting Fort Worth, Texas, US
  • Chair of the organising and program committees of the 2014 Regional NMC Meeting, Ghent, Belgium
  • Chair of the organising and program committees of the 2014 Mastitis Research Workers Meeting, Ghent, Belgium
  • Member of the program committee for the 2016 NMC meeting Glendale, Arizona, US
  • Member of the program committee for the 2017 NMC meeting Beijing, China
  • Co-chair and co-organiser of the 2nd seminar on coagulase-negative staphylococci, Belgium (2017)
  • Member of the program committee and chair of the short course program for the 2019 NMC meeting, Savannah, US
  • Chair of the program committee for the 2020 NMC meeting, Orlando, US
  • Chair of the program committee for the 2024 NMC meeting, Ghent, Belgium

Peer-reviewed publications

Books

Presentations

2023
Belgium February 23, Merelbeke, Jong Veda
  • “Starten in de praktijk: tips en tricks en enkele valkuilen”
March 14, Merelbeke, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University
  • “Introductie bij panelgesprek - Diergeneeskunde voor wie het niet kan betalen”
March 31, Lier, MCC Vlaanderen
  • “Uiergezondheid in Vlaanderen: een update”
Abroad

April 28, Belgrado, Serbia, 6th International Fertility and Mastitis Congress in Dairy Farms

  • “Update on major and minor mastitis pathogens including measurements for prevention and control”

May 12, Slovenia

  • “Bovine mastitis prevention”
2022
Belgium

June 21, Virbac meeting, Ghent, Belgium:

  • "More responsible use of antibiotics on dairy farms in EU context"

December 13, studienamiddag “Is er nog nood aan deontologie voor vrije beroepen?”, LeA uitgevers, Antwerp, Belgium :

  • “De dierenarts, uitdagingen voor een beroep in verandering”
Abroad

April 2, Česká buiatrická společnost, Czech Republic:

  • "Reducing antibiotic consumption on dairy farms? Yes, we can!"

December 21, Farmlab Christmas transition seminar, Tipperary, Ireland

  • “Responsible use of antibiotics on European dairy herds in 2022 and beyond”
  • “Heifer mastitis and the role of the non-aureus staphylococci”
2021
Belgium

27 May, 2nd Mastitis Prevention Day (Hipra) :

  • “Bovine mastitis in the 21th century” (online)

23 December: Merelbeke, Academy Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:

  • "Wetgeving en beroepsethiek"
Abroad

September 22-24, XX. Middle European Buiatric Congress, Slovenia:

  • "Current approaches in the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows"

November 11-14, 4. International Congress of Fertility and Mastitis in Dairy Farms, North Cyprus

  • "Heifer mastitis and the role of the non-aureus  staphylococci"
2020
Belgium

14 februari, Diksmuide, AMCRA road show:

  • “Een goede uiergezondheid als sleutel voor verstandiger en verminderd gebruik van antibiotica op melkveebedrijven”

16 februari, Geel, AMCRA road show:

  • “Een goede uiergezondheid als sleutel voor verstandiger en verminderd gebruik van antibiotica op melkveebedrijven”

21 februari, Merchtem, AMCRA road show:

  • “Een goede uiergezondheid als sleutel voor verstandiger en verminderd gebruik van antibiotica op melkveebedrijven”

23 februari, Aalter, AMCRA road show:

  • “Een goede uiergezondheid als sleutel voor verstandiger en verminderd gebruik van antibiotica op melkveebedrijven”
Abroad -
2019
Belgium -
Abroad 20 June, Stratford-upon-Avond, UK, TotalDairy
  • "Heifer mastitis update"
  • "What have we recently learned on the role of the non-aureus staphylococci for bovine udder health"
  • "The role of the bovine practitioner in integrated mastitis management as a basis for prudent use of antimicrobials on dairy farms"
27-29 June, Bern, Switserland, ICPD:
  • "The future-proof bovine practitioner understands that improved mastitis management is key to prudent use of antimicrobials on dairy farms"
24 August, Beijing, China:
  • "Risk factors for mastitis at the herd, cow and quarter level "
11 October, Belek/Antalya, Turkey, 8th Congress of the Turkish Veterinary Gynecology:
  • "Current approaches in the treatment of mastitis"
2018
Belgium 8 februari, Merelbeke, Instituut Permanente Vorming @UGent:
  • "Aansprakelijkheid paardendierenarts"
25 november, Ciney, Vétérinexpo:
  • "Capitaux externes dans les structures vétérinaires – législation et déontologie en vigueure"
7 december, Merelbeke, Instituut Permanente Vorming @UGent:
  • "Aansprakelijkheid rundveedierenarts"
Abroad April 26-27, Cyprus:
  • "A scientifically sound approach to prevention and control of bovine mastitis"
June 6-8, Vigo, Spain:
  • "Integrated (dry cow) mastitis management as a basis for prudent use of antimicrobials"
  • "Update on the relevance of non-aureus staphylococci for bovine udder health"
2017
Belgium -
Abroad March 6: Billund, Denmark
  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci and udder health in dairy cows"
  • "Holistic approach to prevention and control of mastitis in dairy cows"
June 13 & 15: Sao Paulo, Brazil:
  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci and udder health in dairy cows" @ Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia
  • "Heifer mastitis prevention and control as part of an intergrated mastitis management" – Novas Estratagias para o Controle da Mastite e Melhoria da Qualidade do Leite@ Associaco Paulista de Buiatria.
July 1: Berlin, Germany: "Wandel in der Mastitistherapie was tun unsere Nachbarn."
August 25-26: Beijing, China:2017 NMC International Bovine Mastitis Conference
  • "Mastitis management and prevention during the dry period/transition"
  • "Mastitis management and prevention during lactation"
September 5-7, Porto Conte Ricerche, Sardinia, Italy: Masterclass –  Understanding and controlling dairy ruminant mastitis.
  • "Update on non-aureus staphylococcus mastitis"
2016
Belgium February 17: Hasselt, Limburgse Dierenartsenvereniging:
  • "Aansprakelijkheid & Beroepsethiek"
March 22: Oudenaarde, Dierenartsen Vlaamse Ardennen:
  • "Beroepsethiek en uitdagingen voor de Vlaamse dierenarts anno 2016"
May 25: Drongen, AV DGZ:
  • "De tandem dierenarts – veehouder: wordt er gestuurd en getrapt of enkel geremd?"
Abroad March 5: Warshaw, Poland, Vetoquinol Academia:
  • "Complexity of mastitis and the role of the vet as a coach and advisor"
August 2: Uberlandia, Brazil: full day mastitis course
September 16: Ciechanowiec, Poland:
  • "An update on coagulase-negative staphylococci and their importance for udder health in dairy cows"
  • "Treatment of mastitis as an integrated part of udder health management"
November 19-20, Brno, Czech Republic, Conference of the Czech Buiatric Association :
  • "Complexity of mastitis and the role of the vet as a coach and advisor, with a focus on responsible use of antimicrobials."
  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci: friends or foes? An update."
2015
Belgium

January: Mechelen, Boehringer Ingelheim Global Milk Quality Expert Forum:

  • "The use of antimicrobials on dairy farms in Flanders, Belgium"

May 9: odisee Hogeschool, Sint-Niklaas:

  • "Achtergrond bij uitoefening diergeneeskunde en aansprakelijkheid" (Toegepast diergedrag)

June 10: Intercoop Europe Animal Feed Congres, Ghent:

  • "Udder health management in practice: a multi-factorial approach"
Abroad

July 29: NMC Regional Meeting, Syracuse, US:

  • "Coagulase-negative Staphylococci: An Intriguing Group of Bacteria Involved in Bovine Mastitis"

September 5: Ingelheimer Dialog Rind 2015, Weisbaden, Germany:

  • "Strategies for improving udder health and a more responsible use of antimicrobials on modern dairy farms"

September 8: Scheveningen, The Netherlands:

October 28: Hohhut, China: The 2nd University of Minnesota China Dairy Conference – Co-organized by the University of Minnesota and National Mastitis Council

  • Understanding mastitis
  • Mastitis epidemiology
  • Mastitis case management

November 10: Birmingham, UK: European Mastituis Research Workers meeting:

  • "Use of antimicrobials on Flemish dairy farms".
2014
Belgium

January 10: Gent (IPV):

  • Autoregulerende adviezen AMCRA in de melkveesector.

January 16: Gent (IPV):

  • Juridische aansprakelijkheid van de dierenarts (met opdracht).

October 16: Gent:

  • "Koop en verkoop van dieren".

November 13: Hasselt:

  • "Koop en verkoop van dieren".
Abroad

October 30: IDF World Dairy Summit. Tel Aviv, Israel. CANCELLED:

  • "A multifactorial approach is key to proper udder health management", Tel Aviv, Israel. CANCELLED.

November 12: British Mastitis Conference. UK:

  • "Are coagulase-negative staphylococci a problem?
2013
Belgium

29 April, 16 and 20 May: Boehringer Ingelheim Roadshows Ubrostar. Laakdal, Drongen en Izegem.:

  • "Infectie-dynamiek tijdens de droogstand"

4 June: Limburgse Dierenartsenvereniging. Hasselt

  • "Aangifteplichtige ziektes bij grote als kleine huisdieren"
Abroad

12 April: Slovenian Buiatric Association: Logarska Dolina, Slovenia:

  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci: in intruiging group of bacteria involved in bovine mastitis" – "Udder health management in practice: a multifactorial approach".

20 April: Finnish Production Animal Veterinarians: Kuopio, Finland:

  • "Udder health management in practice: a multifactorial approach" – "Importance of the dry period for udder health" – "Heifer mastitis".

15 May: Boehringer Ingelheim Udder Health Forum: Ermelo, The Netherlands:

  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci – an intriguing group of bacteria involved in mastitis".

24 July: "Coagulase-negative staphylococci: NMC Regional Meeting, Maine, US:

  • "An intriguing group of bacteria involved in bovine mastitis ".

20 September: "Coagulase-negative staphylococci: World Veterinary Congress, Prague, Czech Republic:

  • "in intruiging group of bacteria involved in bovine mastitis"

18 October: BCVA congress, Harrogate, UK:

  • "Coagulase-negative staphylococci: An intriguing group of bacteria involved in bovine mastitis ". 
2012
Belgium

2 February: AVEVE:

  • "Management uiergezondheid in de praktijk – een multifactoriële aanpak"

29 March: Lummen (Confocus):

  • "Aansprakelijkheid dierenarts (met opdracht)"

23 May: Ieper (Ieperse Dierenartsenvereniging):

  • "Aansprakelijkheid dierenarts (met opdracht)"

20 September: Ghent (Hipra symposium):

  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci: in intruiging group of bacteria involved in bovine mastitis

22 November: Lummen (Confocus):

  • "Aansprakelijkheid dierenarts (met opdracht)"
Abroad 21-22 March: Pfizer Dairy Summit, Auckland, New Zealand:
  • "Role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in bovine udder health: an update"
  • "Udder health management in practice: a multifactorial approach"
12 July: Atlantic Veterinary College, PEI, Canada:
  • "Role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in bovine udder health: an update"

18 October: Vétoquinol Academia, Sicily, Italy:

  • "Udder health management in practice: a multifactorial approach"
2011
Belgium

9 January: Sint-Denijs Westrem (CRV @ Agriflanders):

  • "Mastitis: onderzoek en praktijk"

8 May: VDV congres:

  • "Heeft u een business of een hobby?"

7-9 September: 6th European congress of Bovine Health Management, Liege:

  • "Role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in bovine udder health: an update"

4 October: Lummen (Confocus):

  • "Aansprakelijkheid dierenarts (met opdracht)"

6 November: Oudenaarde (DIVA):

  • "Aanpak van mastitis op een bedrijf: toepassing van de wetenschappelijke theorie in de praktijk"
Abroad

23-26 January: Virginia, US:

  • NMC workshop on CNS and heifer mastitis (with YH Schukken)

28-30 April: I Simpósio Internacional Leite Integral, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil:

  • "Causes, control, and prevention of mastitis in dairy heifers"

7 October: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia:

  • "Role of coagulase-negative staphylococci in bovine udder health: an update"

13-14 October: Alltech Ruminant Solutions Seminar, Dunboyne, Ireland:

  • "Udder health management in practice: a multifactorial approach"

24 October: Dutch Udder Health Centre, The Netherlands:

  • "Reducing mastitis in The Netherlands"
2010
Belgium

September: Ieper (Ieperse Dierenartsenvereniging):

  • "Mastitis: onderzoek en praktijk"
Abroad

21 – 24 March: keynote speaker, 5th IDF mastitis meeting, Christchurch, New Zeeland:

  • "Variability of dairy cows in their susceptibility to intramammary infection"

30 June: Dutch Udder Health Centre, The Netherlands:

  • "Verschillende diagnostische methoden, wat is de beste?"
2009
Belgium

17 March: Liege (EADGENE):

  • "The epidemiology foundation applied to bovine mastitis"
Abroad

5 February: Bled, Slovenia:

  • "Some principles of veterinary epidemiology applied to mastitis on bovine dairy farms"
2008
Belgium

17 December: Merelbeke (Belvetex):

  • "Koop en verkoop van dieren"
Abroad

23 – 26 September: Congresso Brasileiro De Qualidade do Leite, Recife, Brasil:

  • "Mastitis in diary heifers"

20 November: Dutch Udder Health Centre, The Netherlands:

  • "Mastitis bij vaarzen"
2007
Belgium 24 – 26 June: Heifer mastitis conference, Ghent, Belgium.
Abroad

16 May: Dutch Udder Health Centre, The Netherlands:

  • "Mastitis bij vaarzen"
2006
Belgium -
Abroad

May: Dutch Boehringer Ingelheim Mastitis Forum, Leuvenum,The Netherlands:

  • "Vaarzenmastitis"

30 June – 1 July: Intervet Symposium: Utrecht, The Netherlands:

  • "De opmars van Coagulase-negatieve Staphylokokken",

17 November: SIVAR, Modena, Italy:

  • presentation on coagulase-negative staphylococci,

8 December: Lyon, France (ECVPH annual meeting):

  • "Testing for freedom from disease in the EU with special reference to zoonotic disease"