Nigusu Berhanu Kassaye

Dr
Nigusu Berhanu
Kassaye

Veterinary Vaccine Production Officer
National Veterinary Institute(NVI)
Biography
Nigusu Berhanu Kassaye is a dedicated veterinary microbiologist with a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Veterinary Microbiology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He currently works at the National Veterinary Institute (NVI), where he plays a key role in the development, formulation, and quality assurance of veterinary vaccines, including inactivation processes, packaging, and compliance with GMP and biosafety standards. Nigusu has hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, having previously served as a laboratory technician in the NVI Molecular Laboratory during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he contributed to nationwide diagnostic efforts using RT-PCR platforms. His current interests lie in the development of vector-based and combined vaccines for major poultry diseases such as IBV, IBD, NDV, and ILT. He is also passionate about advancing his skills in bioinformatics, molecular cloning, and bioprocessing, and actively seeks training opportunities to expand his contribution to veterinary public health and zoonotic disease control in Africa. Nigusu is committed to using science and innovation to improve animal health, food security, and vaccine accessibility in low- and middle-income countries.
Research interests
Development of multivalent vector-based vaccines for poultry Molecular characterization and surveillance of avian viruses Recombinant vaccine platforms (e.g., viral vectors, subunit vaccines) Application of bioinformatics in vaccine design
Projects you're working on
Developing a combined vector-based vaccine against IBV, NDV, IBDV, and ILTV Evaluation of vaccine efficacy using molecular and immunological assays Investigation of poultry disease outbreaks and strain variation in Ethiopia Improving GMP-compliant production processes for veterinary vaccines at NVI
Discipline
Bio-manufacturing Bioinformatics Challenge model development Challenge study design Clinical trials – efficacy Clinical trials – safety Formulation technology Molecular biology Virology
Host species
Cattle Horses Poultry Small ruminants Zoonoses
Pathogen
BacteriaBrucella BacteriaMycobacteria bovis Viruses VirusesAfrican horse sickness virus VirusesCoronavirus VirusesFoot-and-mouth disease virus VirusesInfectious bursal disease virus VirusesMareks disease virus VirusesNewcastle disease virus VirusesPeste des petits ruminants virus VirusesRabies virus
Stage of vaccine development
Adjuvants Antigen discovery and immunogen design Clinical trials Deployment Field trials Pre-clinical trials Vaccine delivery