Tracing ancient pathogens in Vienna

We were warmly welcomed by Dr. Barbara Richter and Prof. Herbert Weissenböck, who facilitated both scientific and logistical aspects of our stay and granted access to the university’s renowned pathological collection  — the largest of its kind in Europe. More than 6,000 specimens, many dating back to the early 20th century, are exhibited thematically in display cases. The collection documents organ alterations due to infectious diseases such as rinderpest and glanders, which are now rare in Central Europe, and continues to play a vital role in veterinary education.

Journalist Laura Salm-Reifferscheidt accompanied our work for a feature piece, while ongoing projects on major animal pathogens such as avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, and rinderpest were discussed. A highlight of the retreat was the participation of Prof. Ludovic Orlando (CAGT, University of Toulouse) and Prof. Laurent Frantz (LMU Munich), whose expertise in ancient DNA and animal genomics offered fresh impulses for future collaborations.

On the final day, an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Eduard Winter led us to the historic Narrenturm — Europe’s first psychiatric institution, now home to one of the oldest pathological-anatomical collections in Europe. The human specimens there offered an exciting comparison to the veterinary collection and inspired new interdisciplinary approaches in historical pathogen research.

Our team retreat was marked by intensive scientific exchange, inspiring conversations, and productive discussions that sparked new ideas for future projects. We decided on intensifying our collaboration with colleagues doing ancient animal genomics, with the objective to simultaneously address the consequences on hosts and pathogens of changes in breeding practices and animal health management.

The combination of hands-on sample work, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and collegial collaboration made our stay in Vienna especially valuable. The close cooperation on site not only advanced our ongoing projects but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships.