COVAS (Akola) - Veterinary Microbiology

About Veterinary Microbiology

The Department of Veterinary Microbiology was established on 3rd January 2024 at the Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Akola, by repurposing the old building of the Department of Animal Reproduction and Gynecology. The department's foundation was marked by the transfer of services of Dr. S.P. Awandkar, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology, who established the department.

By the end of March 2024, the department had been strengthened through the procurement of all essential laboratory equipment. This enabled the sequential establishment of specialized laboratories:

Bacteriology Laboratory – Functional from 1st May 2024
Immunology Laboratory – Functional from 1st July 2024
Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory – Functional from 4th November 2024
Mycology Laboratory – Functional from 3rd December 2024
Cell Culture and Virology Laboratory – Functional from 26th January 2025

With these laboratories operational, the department commenced technical services for microbiological investigations, contributing to revenue generation. An intramural research program titled “Isolation, Characterization, and Culture Collection of Pathogens of Veterinary and Zoonotic Importance from the Vidarbha Region” was launched from the academic year 2024–25.

In addition, the department actively engaged in extension activities targeting farmers and technocrats across the region.

A proposal for initiating a postgraduate (PG) program was submitted to the University within the department’s first year.

On 1st April 2025, the department was conglomerated to the newly established College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Akola, further marking a new chapter in its development.

Achievements:

No. of PG students graduated:
Research Publications: 02
Books/ Chapters: 04
No. of research schemes and agency funded projects completed:
No. of awards: 03
Radio talks: 01
TV Talks: Podcast 01
Marathi and Popular publications: 15
Any other achievement by the faculty and student: Established and functionalized various laboratories (bacteriology, mycology, immunology, virology, cell culture and microbial biotechnology) in first year after inception.

Diagnostic services offered by the department:

Bacteriological Assays
- Culture Sensitivity Test for Antibiotics
- Biochemical Identification of Bacteria
- Smear Staining and Examination
- Water testing for MPN
- Total Viable Count
- Phenol Coefficient
- Plate Count
Mycological Assays
- Mycotic infections (LCB/KOH Mount)
- Isolation and Identification of dermatophytes
Virological Assays
- Antiviral Assay
- Isolation and Identification of Viruses
- MDT, ICPI, IVPI
Genomics identification of pathogens
- PCR
- RT-PCR
- RNA-PAGE
Proteomic identification of pathogens
- SDS-PAGE
- Immunoelectrophoresis
- ELISA
- Immunoblotting
Serological Assays
- RBPT (Brucellosis)
- PAT (Salmonellosis in poultry)
- SAT (Brucellosis)
- Haemagglutination Test
- Haemagglutination Inhibition Test (Sero-monitoring)
Other Services
- Hatchery Monitoring
- Investigation of disease outbreak

Laboratory Facilities in the Department:

Facilities by Specialization
Bacteriology	Mycology	Immunology	Virology & Cell Culture	Microbial Biotechnology
BSL-II Cabinet	Yeasts and Molds isolation facility	Haemagglutination Assays	Laminar Air Flow	DNA Extraction
BOD Incubator	Yeasts and Molds identification facility	Haemagglutination Inhibition Assays	Inverted Microscope	RNA Extraction
Bacteriological Incubator	KOH Mount	Plate Agglutination tests for brucellosis and Salmonellosis	Research Microscopes	cDNA Preparation
Centrifuge	LCB Mount	Tube Agglutination test	Weighing Balance	Gradient PCR
Microscopes	Microscopes	Latex Agglutination test	Magnetic Stirrer	Agar Gel Electrophoresis
Bacterial isolation facility	Antifungal Sensitivity Testing	Precipitation Assays	Vortex Mixer	Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
Bacterial identification facility	Dermatophyte isolation facility	Indirect ELISA	Ultra filtration systems	Gel Documentation System
Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing	Detection of Mycotoxins	Sandwich ELISA	Cell culture Media & Reagents	Blotting Assays
Colony Counter for TVC, TBC, TAC, TCC etc.		Avidin Biotin ELISA	Egg Candlers	Molecular Identification of Pathogens
Anaerobic cultivation		Immuno Electrophoresis	LN2 Containers	Bioinformatics tools
Calorimetry		Water Bath	CO2 Incubator	Micro pipettes
Autoclaves		Chromatography	Facility for Cell Culture	Refrigerated Centrifuge
Hot Air Oven		Multi-channel pipette	High Speed Centrifuge
MIC Assay		Anti Viral Assays	Water Bath
MBC Assay		Cell-Virus Interaction Assays

Academic:

Degree Offered: B.V.Sc.&A.H.
- Title of degree: Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
- Duration: Five and Half Year
- Eligibility Criteria: HSc (Science) & NEET Qualified
- Intake Capacity: 100
- Opportunities:
Degree Offered: M.V.Sc.
- Title of degree: Master of Veterinary Science in Veterinary Microbiology
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility Criteria: ICAR - Entrance Exam Qualified
- Intake Capacity: 02
- Opportunities:
Degree Offered: Ph.D.
- Title of degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Microbiology
- Duration: 3/4 years
- Eligibility Criteria: ICAR - Entrance Exam Qualified
- Intake Capacity:
- Opportunities:

Contact

Professor and Head
Department of Veterinary Microbiology
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS) Akola
Krishinagar, Murtijapur Road, Akola- 444104

sudhakarawandkar@mafsu.ac.in

drspawandkar@gmail.com

9503397929

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Gallery

1. Department Of Veterinary Microbiology, COVAS, Akola

10. Microbiology

11. CMT Reagent (Inhouse Production)

11. Milk Samples From Mastitic Cows

12. Molecular Diagnosis

13. Salmonella Typhimurium

14. Staphylococci Microscopic

14. Staphylococci Spp. (2)

15. Diplococci Spp.

15. Diplococci Spp. Microscopic

16. Anaerococci

16. Streptococci Microscopic (2)

16. Streptococci Microscopic

16. Streptococcus Spp.

17. Gram Positive Bacilli Microscopic

17. Pseudomonas (pyocyanin)

17. Pseudomonas (pyoverdin)

17. Pseudomonas Spp. (weak Pigment)

17. Pseudomonas Spp.

17. Staphylococci Spp

18. Bacillus Spp.

19. Avian Pathogenic E. Coli

2. Bacteriology And Mycology Laboratory

20. Corynobacterium Spp. From Bovine Mastitis

21. Pallished Bacteria

22. Total Viable Count

23. Antibacterial Activity Of Herbal Teat Dip

24. Antibiotic Sensitivity Test

25. Somatic Cells From Milk

26. Alterneria Species

27. Endothix

28. Microsporum Nanum (2)

29. Microsporum Nanum

3. Bacteriology And Mycology Laboratory

30. Trichophyton Mentagrophytes

31. Trichophyton Mentagrophytes Macrospore

32. Trichophyton Mentagrophytes

33. Trichophyton Rubrum

34. Trichophyton Rubrum Macrospores

35. Trichophyton Macrospores

36. Aspergillus Flavus

37. Aspergillus Flavus Microscopic

38. Aspergillus Fumigatus

39. Aspergillus Fumigatous Microscopic

4. Virology And Cell Culture Laboratory

40. Aspergillus Niger

41. Basidiobolus Colony

41. Basidiobolus Spp. Back Side

41. Basidiobolus Spp.

42. Basidiobolus Microscopic

43. Cytopathic Effects Of NDV In Chicken Embryos

44. Haemagglutination Inhibition Test

44. Haemagglutination Test (Paramyxo Viruses)

45. Plate Agglutination Test

46. Avidin Biotin ELISA

47. Workshop On One Health Initiative Rapid Diagnosis Of Zoonotic Diseases

48. Participants In Workshop On One Health Initiative Rapid Diagnosis Of Zoonotic Diseases

49. Hands On Workshop On One Health Initiative Rapid Diagnosis Of Zoonotic Diseases

5. Immunology And Serology Laboratory

50. Speech On Biosecurity In Livestock Farming

51. Awareness Speech On Rabies

52. Demonstrating CMT To Triable Community Of Melghat

53. Outbreak Investigation

54. Exhibits At Agrotech Exhibition, Akola..

55. Exhibits At Agrotech Exhibition, Akola.

56. Exhibits At Agrotech Exhibition, Akola

57. Exibits At Dharni Exhibition

58. Survey Of Buffalo Farmers For Antibiotic Use, Tuberculosis And Q Fever

59. Survey Of Cattle Farmers For Antibiotic Use, Tuberculosis And Q Fever.

6. Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory

60. Survey Of Cattle Farmers For Antibiotic Use, Tuberculosis And Q Fever

61. Survey Of Goat Farmers For Antibiotic Use, Tuberculosis And Q Fever.

62. Survey Of Goat Farmers For Antibiotic Use, Tuberculosis And Q Fever

63. Survey Of Milk And Milk Product Sellers

64. Releasing Booklet On Clean And Safe Milk Production

65. Training Program For Dairy Farmers Of Akot Aluka

66. Training Program For Dairy Farmers Of Akola Taluka

67. Training Program For Dairy Farmers Of Barshitakali Taluka

68. Training Program For Dairy Farmers Of Patur Taluka

69. Training Program For Dairy Farmers Of TelharaTaluka

7. Ultra Pure Water Purification System

8. Visit Of H Ble Vice Chancellor, MAFSU

9. Inspection By VCI

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