Dr. Pricilla Mbiri | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

University of Namibia | Namibia

Dr. Pricilla Mbiri is a Namibian-based veterinarian and academic with over seventeen years of progressive experience in animal disease control, veterinary public health, and One Health research. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (University of Zimbabwe), an MSc in Animal/Human/Ecosystem Health (University of Pretoria), and is completing a PhD in One Health, complemented by a 2024 certificate in Health & Veterinary Professions Education. Her career spans service as a State Veterinarian in disease surveillance, FMD and CBPP control, rabies education, and export abattoir operations before transitioning to academia as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Namibia. She has made significant contributions in curriculum development, research-led teaching, student mentorship, and bioinformatics capacity building through the Centre of Excellence in One Health. Her research focuses on tick-borne zoonotic pathogens, molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, and livestock health, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and ongoing manuscripts. As a recognized leader, she has coordinated national rabies campaigns, contributed to policy development, and supported laboratory and field investigations. She continues to advance veterinary public health through interdisciplinary research and capacity building, aiming to strengthen Namibia’s preparedness for zoonotic threats and enhance One Health collaboration.

Profile:

DNA Structure and Function

Featured Publications

Mbiri, P., Muleya, W., Moyo, E., Samkange, A., Matomola, O. C., Charamba, V., Ujava, U., Hoebes, E. E., Chitate, F., Neshindo, F. W. T., et al. (2025). Molecular detection and prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in ticks from Namibia: A regional and genus-specific analysis. Pathogens.

Samkange, A., Chitanga, S., Mbiri, P., Matomola, O. C., Neves, L., & Matjila, P. T. (2025). Molecular investigation of Neospora caninum in cattle in the Khomas region of Namibia. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research.

Mbiri, P., Matomola, O. C., Muleya, W., Mhuulu, L., Diegaardt, A., Noden, B. H., Changula, K., Chimwamurombe, P., Matos, C., Weiss, S., et al. (2024). Molecular detection and characterization of Rickettsia species in ixodid ticks from selected regions of Namibia. Microorganisms.

Samkange, A., Mbiri, P., Matomola, O. C., Zaire, G., Homateni, A., Junias, E., Kaatura, I., Khaiseb, S., Ekandjo, S., Shoopala, J., et al. (2024). Serological evidence of Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever in livestock in the Omaheke region of Namibia. Microorganisms.

Kandiwa, E., Mbiri, P., Samkange, A., Madzingira, O., Maseke, A., Kamwi, J. A., & Mushonga, B. (2021). Causes, dynamics and financial losses associated with red offal condemnation at a beef abattoir in Namibia. Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene.