Patrizia Ana Bricarello

Biography and Expertise of Patrizia Ana Bricarello

Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello has established a career dedicated to transforming animal health through an integrative and ecological lens. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), she has become a leading advocate for the application of homeopathy and phytotherapy in veterinary medicine, particularly within the context of organic and sustainable livestock systems. Her work moves beyond treating individual animals to address the health of the entire agroecosystem, making her a pivotal voice in contemporary discussions on food security and environmental health.

Her expertise is deeply rooted in the One Health framework, which recognizes the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental well-being. This approach is central to the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Planetary Health, One Health, and Well-being Societies.” Therefore, Dr. Bricarello’s research on reducing chemical dependence in farming through natural therapies provides a powerful model for South-South collaboration, demonstrating how Brazil is pioneering sustainable agricultural practices that have global relevance.

Furthermore, the contributions of Patrizia Ana Bricarello to agroecology and organic livestock farming directly support the principles of the Gujarat Declaration. By generating scientific evidence for the effectiveness of traditional and complementary practices in animal health, she helps build a foundation for policies that promote sustainability, knowledge diversity, and resilient food systems for well-being societies.

Professional Career and Leadership

Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello‘s professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to academia and applied research within one of Brazil’s leading public universities. Since joining the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) in 2010, she has risen to the position of Associate Professor IV, where she is instrumental in educating the next generation of veterinarians and agricultural scientists. Her career is characterized by a unique blend of teaching, research, and institutional leadership.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Bricarello holds key leadership roles that amplify her impact on sustainable agriculture and integrative health. These positions enable her to guide innovative research projects and translate scientific findings into practical applications for farmers and the broader community, thereby shaping the future of agroecology in Brazil.

• 2010 – Present: Associate Professor IV in the Department of Animal Science and Rural Development and the Postgraduate Program in Agroecosystems at the Center for Agricultural Sciences (CCA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
• Coordinator: Leads the Research and Extension Center in Agroecology at Fazenda Ressacada, a living laboratory for developing and testing sustainable farming techniques.
• Coordinator: Manages the Animal Parasitology Laboratory at CCA UFSC, where she spearheads research into controlling parasitic diseases through both conventional and integrative methods.

A Foundation in Science and Integrative Health

The academic background of Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello demonstrates a rigorous and comprehensive educational path that uniquely combines conventional veterinary science with specialized training in integrative therapies. This dual foundation allows her to approach complex health challenges with a holistic perspective, grounded in robust scientific methodology while remaining open to diverse knowledge systems. Her education has been pursued at some of Brazil’s most respected institutions.

This journey from a strong foundation in parasitology to an expertise in homeopathy illustrates a career dedicated to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for animal health. Consequently, her qualifications provide her with the credibility and skill to bridge the gap between different medical paradigms.

• 2012 – 2015: Specialization in Homeopathy, Fundação Homeopática Benoit Mure (FHBM), Florianópolis, Brazil.
• 2004 – 2006: Post-Doctorate in Parasitology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• 2000 – 2004: Doctorate in Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• 1997 – 1999: Master’s in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
• 1996 – 1997: Specialization (Medical Residency) in Parasitic Diseases of Domestic Animals, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
• 1991 – 1995: Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), São Paulo, Brazil.

Pioneering Research in One Health and Agroecology

The research program led by Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello is at the forefront of efforts to create more resilient and sustainable livestock production systems. Her work centers on the pressing need to find effective alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals in animal health, particularly in the control of parasitic diseases. This focus is driven by the growing challenges of anthelmintic resistance and the negative environmental impacts of chemical residues in agroecosystems.

Her investigations into homeopathy and phytotherapy offer promising solutions that align with the principles of organic farming and agroecology. For instance, her specialization thesis explored the action of ultra-diluted preparations on screwworm larvae (*Cochliomyia hominivorax*), a significant pest in livestock. This type of research provides the evidence needed to validate non-conventional treatments and encourage their adoption. Therefore, her work is a direct contribution to the evidence-based pillar of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Moreover, Dr. Bricarello’s early doctoral research on the response of different sheep breeds to *Haemonchus contortus* infection established her expertise in host-parasite interactions. She now leverages this deep understanding to explore how integrative therapies can enhance animal resilience and reduce dependence on external inputs. Her leadership at the Fazenda Ressacada research center allows her to conduct this vital work in a real-world setting, bridging the gap between laboratory science and on-farm application, which is crucial for promoting planetary health.

Commitment to Ethical Research and Academic Governance

Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of scientific and ethical conduct in her work. Her active engagement in academic governance and oversight reflects a dedication to ensuring that research, particularly involving animals, is performed responsibly and with integrity. This commitment is essential for building public trust and advancing credible science in the field of integrative veterinary medicine.

Her participation in ethics committees and her leadership roles within her university are a testament to her standing in the academic community. Through these activities, she helps shape the institutional environment for research and education, promoting a culture of accountability and ethical awareness.

• Ethics in Animal Use Committee (CEUA UFSC): Dr. Bricarello actively engages with the standards and practices promoted by her university’s ethics committee, as demonstrated by her recent training in ethics, legislation, and the maintenance of animals in research. This involvement ensures her research aligns with national and international ethical guidelines.
• Institutional Leadership: As Coordinator of the Research and Extension Center in Agroecology and the Animal Parasitology Laboratory, she is responsible for the scientific and administrative governance of these units, overseeing research protocols, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

Connect with Dr. Bricarello

For more detailed information on the academic work, publications, and research projects of Dr. Patrizia Ana Bricarello, you can consult her official university profile and her comprehensive curriculum on the Lattes Platform, the standard academic database for researchers in Brazil.

Official UFSC Profile: View Professional Profile at UFSC

Lattes Curriculum (CNPq): View Full Academic Curriculum