Kunda Ndashe

Dr
Kunda
Ndashe

Lecturer and Researcher
University of Zambia
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Biography
I am an Aquatic Animal Health Veterinarian and researcher with expertise in fish and crocodilian health management across Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. I currently lecture in the Department of Paraclinical Studies at the University of Zambia and also serve as a specially appointed Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Hokkaido University, Japan. My work focuses on infectious diseases of aquatic animals, biosecurity, diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. I collaborate with farmers, government agencies, and international partners to design health management programs, develop biosecurity strategies, and strengthen capacity in aquatic animal disease diagnosis. My research also extends into molecular and metagenomic studies, particularly in the surveillance and characterization of emerging pathogens in fish farming systems. Beyond research and teaching, I am actively engaged in professional networks including World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association and I am passionate about translating science into practical solutions for farmers. My broader vision is to contribute to sustainable aquaculture development in Africa through innovation, capacity building, and evidence-based disease management.
Research interests
My research interests lie in aquatic animal health, with a particular focus on infectious diseases of farmed fish and crocodilians, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Edwardsiella tarda, Lactococcus garvieae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Flavobacterium spp., Tilapia Lake Virus, and Vibriosis. I am actively engaged in advancing diagnostics and surveillance through molecular tools such as PCR, virulence gene profiling, and metagenomic sequencing, including the application of Oxford Nanopore technology to identify emerging pathogens. I am also committed to strengthening biosecurity and disease control in aquaculture systems by developing hatchery- and farm-level health management strategies, with a strong emphasis on fish vaccinology and vaccination programs for tilapia and other species. In addition, I investigate antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture and crocodilian systems, as well as zoonotic and foodborne pathogens at the human–animal–environment interface, including risks linked to heavy metal contamination. Overall, my work aims to bridge diagnostics, biosecurity, and disease management with sustainability, farmer training, and innovation to support resilient aquaculture development in Africa.
Discipline
Bacteriology
Host species
Fish
Pathogen
Bacteria
Stage of vaccine development
Clinical trials Field trials Pre-clinical trials Vaccine delivery