CONTER Mauro

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Prof.

Professore di II fascia

Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie

Settore scientifico disciplinare

Ispezione degli alimenti di origine animale

Presentation
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching
Appointments
Research

PHONE: 0521.90.26.83

Work Experience

June 2025 – present: Associate Professor. Department of Veterinary Science. Unit of Food Inspection of Animal Origin. University of Parma
June 2022 – June 2025: Researcher (RTD-B). Department of Veterinary Science. Unit of Food Inspection of Animal Origin. University of Parma
February 2011 – May 2022: Head of HACCP and Laboratory Analysis. Ghinzelli Srl, Viadana (MN)
January 2001 – February 2011: Researcher (Fellow, Research Assistant). Department of Animal Productions, Quality and Food Safety. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma

Education and Training

2025: National Scientific Qualification for the position of Associate Professor, sector 07/H2 Veterinary Pathology and Food Inspection of Animal Origin
2010: Specialization in Swine Pathology. University of Parma, Parma
2003: PhD in Animal Productions. University of Turin, Turin
2000: Qualification as Veterinarian. University of Parma, Parma
2000: Degree in Veterinary Medicine. University of Parma, Parma
1993: Agricultural Technician Diploma. Istituto Tecnico Agrario G. Pastori, Brescia

Main Research Lines

Monitoring of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in deer. Since 2024, studying STEC strains isolated from deer sampled after hunting, evaluating virulence properties, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation capacity.
Monitoring of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in cattle at slaughter. Since 2023, studying STEC strains isolated from cattle at slaughter, evaluating virulence properties, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and disinfectant efficacy.
Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli strains from pork and wild boar meat. Since 2022, studying antibiotic resistance in E. coli strains isolated from pork and wild boar meat, and the possible transmission of mobile genetic elements encoding antibiotic resistance.
Studies on Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from bovine milk and human patients. Since 2022, studying human and animal strains and their antimicrobial resistance, with particular focus on carbapenemase-producing and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Impact of changes and alternative systems on traditional meat inspection. In 2022, participated in WG4 of the COST Action RIBMINS, focusing on improving traditional meat inspection systems in pig slaughterhouses.
Use of ozone in the decontamination of poultry carcasses. Since 2009, studying microbial contamination of poultry carcasses during slaughter operations and the use of gaseous ozone for their decontamination.
Studies on Staphylococcus aureus strains. Since 2008, studying antibiotic resistance properties of S. aureus strains isolated from food and processing environments, and their biofilm formation capacity.
Studies on Listeria monocytogenes strains. From 2003 to 2009, studying virulence characteristics and biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes using molecular biology techniques, as well as their biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in food matrices and processing environments.
Assessment and improvement of safety in fermented and cured meat products. From 2003 to 2007, within the European project “Assessment and improvement of safety of traditional dry sausage from producers to consumers”, studied hygiene and safety issues in typical cured meat products from small producers, and explored new formulations to reduce sodium and fat content in dry sausages.
Influence of technological processes on safety and quality characteristics of meat and meat products. From 2001 to 2005, within a research grant on “Improvement of safety and quality of pork meat”, studied microbial contamination during industrial pig slaughter and carcass decontamination methods. The research, funded by the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies, was carried out in collaboration with Salumificio Villani (MO). Also studied the application of ionizing radiation for meat product decontamination and its effect on lipid oxidation.
Virulence properties of Salmonella isolated from humans and food. June to September 2002, collaborated with the Institute of Meat Hygiene, Meat Technology and Food Science, within the PhD in Animal Productions, studying molecular methods for assessing the pathogenicity of Salmonella spp. strains.
Study of intestinal spirochetes and Leptospira interrogans. In 2000 and 2001, worked as a research fellow at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine – Microbiology Section, University of Parma, studying molecular biology techniques for pathogenic intestinal spirochetes in humans and animals, and diagnosis of Leptospira interrogans infections in humans.
Instrumental assessment of pork meat quality. In 2000, attended the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Parma, conducting studies on sensory and instrumental assessment of pork meat quality.

Institutional Roles

Delegate for incoming orientation and tutoring for the Dairy Enterprise Technologies and Management Degree Program.
Coordinator of the Teaching Commission for the Professional Bachelor's Degree in Dairy Enterprise Technologies and Management.
Deputy Director and Lecturer of the Food Inspection Residency School, Department of Veterinary Science, VII Cycle.
Since 2022, Member of the Departmental Biosafety and Animal Welfare Committee.

Participation in PhD and Residency Boards

Member of the PhD Board for "Veterinary Medical Sciences" (XLI Cycle), University of Parma.
Member of the Examining Committee for the Final Examination for the "Doctor of Research" degree in "Food Sciences" – XXXVII Cycle (2025).
Member of the Teaching Board of the II Level Interuniversity Master's "Valorization and Food Safety of Fishery and Aquaculture Products", directed by Prof. Paolo Gatta, within the Aquaculture and Fish Pathology Degree Program. The interuniversity Master's involved the Universities of Bologna, Teramo (Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine), and Parma (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine). Academic year: 2005/2006.

Awards and Recognitions

Winner of the University of Parma Award for Innovative Teaching Practices (Azione 1 – Reward System for Innovative Teaching Practices), 2024/2025 academic year
Winner of the Departmental Award for Innovative Teaching, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma (11/12/2024).

Teaching Assignments Beyond Those Listed in the Dedicated Section

Academic year 2009/2010: "Food Hygiene" Course, 2nd Module (2 CFU), Master's Degree in Food Industry Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Parma.
Academic year 2005/2006: Integrated course "The Law and Animals" for the Animal Welfare and Protection Degree (2nd cycle, VET/04). Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo.

Other Teaching Assignments

Academic year 2024/2025: Lecturer, Food Inspection Residency School, Department of Veterinary Science (VII Cycle, 3rd year). Lecturer, Animal Health, Breeding and Livestock Production Residency School (VI Cycle, 1st year).
Academic year 2023/2024: Lecturer, Food Inspection Residency School, Department of Veterinary Science (VII Cycle, 2nd year).
Academic year 2007/2008: Lecturer, Food Inspection Residency School, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Teramo (22/05/2008).
Academic year 2003/2004: Lecturer, Swine Pathology Residency School, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Parma.
Academic year 2002/2003: Lecturer, II Level University Master's in "Food Safety Technologies", University of Parma.

Teaching or Research Assignments at Foreign or Supranational Universities and Research Institutes

Lecturer in the ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Program "Ivermectin and other environment-resistant drugs", from 10/01/2025 to 20/04/2025 (hybrid program – virtual and in-person at the Department of Veterinary Science, Parma).
Lecturer in the Training School "Risk-based Meat Safety Assurance Systems focusing on risk categorisation of farms and abattoirs", within the European COST CA18105 Project "Risk-based meat inspection and integrated meat safety assurance" (13-16 June 2023).
Lecturer in the International Master's in Food Technology (MITA), delivering teaching activities in the "Food Safety and HACCP" module on "Hygiene compliance in pig slaughterhouses". Years: 2022, 2023, 2024.

Teaching, Integrative Activities, and Student Services

Since academic year 2022-2023, collaborates in teaching, orientation, and practical exercises for students in the "Food Technology and Hygienic-Sanitary Control" course (Module 2), 3rd year of the Single-Cycle Master's in Veterinary Medicine, and the "Food Inspection of Animal Origin" course, 4th year of the Single-Cycle Master's in Veterinary Medicine.
Since academic year 2022-2023, collaborates in internship activities in the Scientific Disciplinary Sector MVET-02B (Food Inspection of Animal Origin), held in the second semester of the 5th year of the Single-Cycle Master's in Veterinary Medicine.
From academic years 2002-2003 to 2010-2011, collaborated in practical exercises for students in the integrated course 15.2 "Inspection, Control and Certification of Foods of Animal Origin", 4th year of the Veterinary Medicine Degree, taught by Prof. Adriana Ianieri. Dr. Conter assisted teaching staff in supervising students during practical internships in food inspection for the state exam in the "Food Safety" section of the Department of Animal Productions, Veterinary Biotechnology, Quality and Food Safety.
From academic years 2002-2003 to 2010-2011, served on the examination board for integrated courses "Inspection, Control and Certification of Foods of Animal Origin" (Veterinary Medicine Degree) and "Meat Hygiene and Quality, and Food Technologies" (Animal Production Technology and Food Safety Degree), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Parma.
From academic years 2004-2005 to 2010-2011, collaborated with teaching staff in the theoretical and practical preparation of students in the "Food Inspection" Residency School of Teramo, directed by Prof. Adriana Ianieri.
In academic years 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2008-2009, served as lecturer in the Higher Technical Education and Training Course "Higher Technician in Agro-Industrial Product Processing", organized by CISITA (Parma) in collaboration with the European Union (European Social Fund), the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, and the Emilia-Romagna Region.
Lecturer in the "Culatello DOP Producer Operator" Course (2005-0069/PR), managed by Agriform S.r.l. and approved by the Parma Provincial Administration (Act Pr 2004-GP 443, 08/04/2004), co-funded by the European Social Fund. Period: 21/09/2010 - 14/12/2010.
Lecturer in the IFTS Higher Technical Education and Training Course "Higher Technician in Agro-Industrial Product Processing", approved by Emilia-Romagna Regional Executive Resolution n.1306, 28 July 2008, ref. N. 2008-166/RER, organized by Agriform S.r.l. Year: 2009.
Lecturer in the "Meat Processing Operator" Course n. 2006-0508/PR Sub. 1 Ed., organized by Agriform S.r.l. Year: 2007.
Lecturer in the Course n. 2004-0443/PR 1st year "Integrated Education Project. Sustainability, quality and safety: priority objectives in the agri-food sector", organized by Agriform Srl, Sissa (PR). June 2006.
From 2003 to 2009, lecturer in the "Training of Agricultural Technicians and Operators – Pork Butcher Training Course", organized until 2006 by the Brescia ASL and from 2007 by the Brescia Pork Butchers Association, with patronage from the Province of Brescia, Sebino Bresciano Mountain Community, Brescia ASL, and Rovato Municipality (BS).