Dr. Ioannis Tsakmakidis | Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | Best Researcher Award

University of Macedonia | Greece

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ioannis Tsakmakidis commenced his academic journey at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he obtained his Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993 with a commendable performance (Grade: Very Good). He advanced his specialization through a Master of Science (MSc) degree in 2013, concentrating on the feeding and pathology of pigs and poultry, with distinction (Grade: Excellent). His academic rigor culminated in the completion of a Doctorate (PhD) in 2019 at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, where he investigated the ecological role of various animal species in the transmission cycles of Leishmania spp., receiving the highest academic distinction.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Professionally, Dr. Tsakmakidis has served extensively as a veterinarian in both public and private sectors. Since 2003, he has held the position of Civil Servant Veterinarian at the Directorate of Rural Affairs in Thessaloniki, contributing significantly to EU co-funded initiatives that enhance livestock sector modernization. Prior engagements include managing his own companion animal clinic and serving as an associate veterinarian at ALMAPET, where he provided a wide range of services, including soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, parasitic disease management, and dental care.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tsakmakidis' research trajectory is rooted in veterinary parasitology, public health, and sustainable livestock systems. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher investigating Greek buffalo farming systems, with a particular focus on the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the quality assessment of buffalo meat and milk. His involvement in the EU-funded LIFE ATIAS project emphasizes his commitment to biodiversity and the management of invasive mammalian species. Furthermore, he participates in projects related to milk-based diagnostics for Neospora caninum and buffalo product quality, contributing to integrated agro-livestock strategies in Greece.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Tsakmakidis’ scholarly integrity is evidenced by his repeated appointments as a peer reviewer for high-impact international journals such as Scientific Reports, Journal of Nanobiotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine International. Additionally, he has served on the review boards of prestigious academic conferences, including the International Conference for the Promotion of Educational Innovation, where he has evaluated scientific papers across disciplines.

📘 Impact and Influence

Through a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Tsakmakidis has significantly advanced the understanding of parasitic zoonoses in non-canine hosts, including rodents, lagomorphs, minks, and buffaloes. His findings have appeared in journals such as Tropical Medicine & International Health, Veterinary Microbiology, Tropical Animal Health and Production, and AIMS Molecular Science. These contributions are critical for veterinary public health, especially in the context of antimicrobial resistance, emerging parasitic threats, and One Health paradigms. In academia, he has distinguished himself as a lecturer at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of Western Macedonia and the International Hellenic University, consistently earning evaluations above departmental averages. His teaching integrates theoretical rigor with practical insights into pig farming, anthrozoonoses, and sustainable animal production systems.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tsakmakidis is actively shaping European veterinary science through his role in COST Action CA21111, an international consortium addressing drug development for vector-borne parasitic diseases within the One Health framework. His ongoing research on zoonotic parasite surveillance, coupled with his pedagogical engagements and commitment to sustainable agriculture, positions him as a vital contributor to both scientific progress and policy formulation in veterinary and public health domains.

Publications

📄 Flaws in Estrus Synchronization Protocols Increase Vaginal Prolapse and Hydrometra Risk in Sheep
Authors: Nikolaos Tsekouras, Ioannis Tsakmakidis, Dimitrios Gougoulis, Mathis A. B. Christodoulopoulos, Christos Kousoulis, Georgios I. Papakonstantinou, Vasileios G. Papatsiros, Georgios Christodoulopoulos
Journal: Life
Year: 2025

📄 Alternative hosts of Leishmania infantum: a neglected parasite in Europe
Authors: Ioannis Tsakmakidis, Menelaos Lefkaditis, Konstantinos Zaralis, Georgios Arsenos
Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production
Year: 2024

📄 Prevalence of Neospora caninum and associated risk factors in semi-intensive female water buffaloes reared in Greece, using an ELISA kit on milk samples
Authors: Ioannis Tsakmakidis, Menelaos Lefkaditis, Marina Sofia, Konstantinos Zaralis, Ioannis A. Giantsis
Journal: Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Year: 2024

📄 Stray dogs as carriers of E. coli resistant strains for the retracted and reemerged antibiotic colistin, based on the mcr-1 gene presence
Authors: Ioannis Tsakmakidis, Anastasia Parisi, Dimitrios K. Papadopoulos, Maria V. Alvanou, Konstantinos V. Papageorgiou, Evanthia Petridou, Ioannis A. Giantsis
Journal: AIMS Molecular Science
Year: 2024

📄 Leishmania infection in lagomorphs and minks in Greece
Authors: Ioannis Tsakmakidis, Christoforos Pavlou, Androniki Tamvakis, Theologos Papadopoulos, Vasiliki Christodoulou, Katerina Angelopoulou, Chrysostomos I. Dovas, Maria Antoniou, Christos Anastasakis, Anastasia Diakou
Journal: Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
Year: 2019