Professor Kannan Ganapathy

Background

Professor Kannan Ganapathy is an internationally recognised veterinary scientist specialising in poultry infectious diseases, immunology, vaccinology and disease prevention at the University of Liverpool. He is Professor of Infectious Diseases (Virology) within the University’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences and leads its work in Poultry Infection, Immunity and Vaccinology. Originally trained in Malaysia, Professor Ganapathy graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 1991 from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), before completing his PhD at the University of Liverpool in 1997, investigating respiratory infections in poultry. Over more than three decades in poultry science, his research has concentrated on the molecular immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology and prevention of major avian respiratory diseases. His particular expertise includes infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus, Newcastle disease virus and avian mycoplasmas, alongside the development and evaluation of vaccines and molecular diagnostic approaches. His current research extends into next-generation vaccination technologies, including self-amplifying RNA vaccines and affordable recombinant and plant-based vaccines. In 2026, he led a newly funded international project developing a multiepitope vaccine against Mycoplasma gallisepticum, while his wider group continues major research into disease, immunity and falling egg production in UK free-range poultry. In 2025, Professor Ganapathy was inducted into the World Veterinary Poultry Association Hall of Honour, becoming its youngest-ever recipient, recognising his contributions to poultry health, research and education worldwide.