Karin Schwaiger

Karin Schwaiger serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Food Hygiene and Technology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. With her leadership position and extensive research portfolio, she represents a prominent figure in veterinary public health and food safety sciences within Austria's premier veterinary institution.

Professor Schwaiger's research program focuses on critical intersections between animal health, food safety, and public health. Her work examines pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria throughout the food chain from farm to fork, employing both phenotypic and genotypic approaches. She investigates zoonotic diseases of economic significance, develops diagnostic and prevention strategies, and analyzes microbial communities impacting animal health. Her department reconstructs microbiological quality in processed foods and establishes science-based animal welfare parameters, with particular interest in symbiotic grazing systems.

Analysis of her recent publication record reveals consistent focus on foodborne pathogens, particularly cold-tolerant Clostridium species causing meat spoilage, Campylobacter contamination routes, and novel decontamination methods like cold atmospheric plasma. Her work spans analytical methodology development, microbial ecology studies, and practical interventions for improving food safety throughout production chains. This research demonstrates strong translational potential for both industry applications and public health protection.

As department head, Professor Schwaiger oversees research initiatives and educational programs within Food Hygiene and Technology. Her leadership role encompasses strategic direction for the department's scientific activities, resource allocation, and representation within the university's administrative structure. While specific grant details aren't provided in available materials, her extensive publication record suggests successful acquisition of competitive research funding.

The Department of Food Hygiene and Technology operates within the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna's infrastructure, conducting laboratory-based research on food safety issues with particular relevance to veterinary public health. The department maintains connections with Austrian agricultural sectors, food industry stakeholders, and public health authorities to address contemporary food safety challenges.