Erik Weerts

Erik Weerts is a Clinician and Veterinary Pathologist (diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists) at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine awarded in June 2023 for his thesis 'Coronaviruses in poultry: an ongoing pandemic?'

Dr. Weerts' research focuses primarily on veterinary pathology with special emphasis on avian coronaviruses, particularly infectious bronchitis virus in poultry. His work spans comparative pathology, dual infection models, and molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. He has published extensively on coronavirus-related topics, examining viral transmission, tissue tropism, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine development.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong concentration on poultry diseases, particularly viral respiratory infections in chickens and turkeys. His research often examines the interplay between viral and bacterial pathogens, with significant work on infectious bronchitis virus pathogenesis and immune responses. Weerts frequently collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions, demonstrating a network spanning veterinary virology, immunology, and pathology.

• Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (February 2014)
• PhD in Veterinary Medicine (June 2023)

Dr. Weerts performs diagnostic research including necropsies on domestic, exotic and wild animals, and biopsy examination. He has significant teaching responsibilities within the veterinary medicine program and participates in research collaborations both within and outside the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, including heat stress in pigs and poultry studies with the Poultry Science Division and Population Health Sciences Department.