PhD in Toxicology at Universidad de Murcia | Spain
Livia Spadetto is a veterinarian and ecotoxicologist dedicated to wildlife research and conservation. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding environmental challenges, particularly the effects of contaminants on birds of prey. She combines a solid veterinary foundation with expertise in biodiversity, environmental management, and ecotoxicological analysis, allowing her to bridge the gap between animal health and ecosystem protection. Her work extends beyond laboratories into the field, where she has conducted surveys, monitored colonies, and participated in conservation projects across Europe and Latin America. With strong skills in technical and scientific writing, spatial analysis, and field monitoring, she contributes to advancing wildlife research and environmental awareness. Her publications highlight her ability to collaborate internationally and address pressing issues related to rodenticide exposure and avian health. Passionate about conservation, she seeks opportunities in environmental consulting, research, and applied projects focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
Professional Profiles
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Livia Spadetto pursued her academic path with determination, building a strong foundation in veterinary medicine before specializing in wildlife and environmental sciences. She first trained as a veterinarian, acquiring clinical and surgical experience while developing a passion for animal health and welfare. Her further studies focused on biodiversity and environmental management, where she explored the intersection between veterinary medicine and ecological conservation. She specialized in wildlife management and ecotoxicology, deepening her expertise in contaminant exposure in raptors and their role as bioindicators of environmental health. Through advanced academic training, she combined field monitoring, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, refining her ability to address ecological threats with scientific rigor. Her education also included international experiences, which broadened her cultural perspective and enhanced her language skills. This academic background equips her with multidisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to environmental research, wildlife conservation, and applied ecological projects.
Experience
Livia Spadetto has gained extensive experience across veterinary practice, wildlife research, and ecological fieldwork. She began her career in clinical settings, where she worked in veterinary hospitals and clinics, managing patient care, performing diagnostics, and assisting in surgeries. Expanding her scope, she engaged in numerous wildlife-related projects, including bird ringing, colony monitoring, and ecological surveys across Europe and South America. Her work has involved hands-on participation in the conservation of raptors, seabirds, and other species, contributing to data collection, biomonitoring, and habitat assessments. As an assistant ecologist, she carried out wildlife surveys on birds, bats, reptiles, and habitats, preparing technical reports for environmental projects. She also interned with research centers, participating in field campaigns and laboratory studies related to avian conservation. Combining veterinary expertise with ecological practice, she has developed strong competencies in both animal care and environmental science, enabling her to contribute to multidisciplinary conservation efforts globally.
Research Focus
Livia Spadetto’s research centers on ecotoxicology, with a primary focus on the effects of anticoagulant rodenticides on birds of prey. Her studies investigate how contaminants accumulate in avian species, how they affect survival and reproduction, and how these species can serve as bioindicators of environmental health. By combining field monitoring of raptors with laboratory analysis, she provides a holistic understanding of toxicological risks in different ecosystems. Her work extends to studying the distribution of pollutants across agricultural landscapes and their consequences on predator populations, highlighting the link between human practices and wildlife health. She also explores conservation strategies to mitigate these risks, promoting sustainable management of ecosystems. Through her research, she contributes to the development of improved assessment methods and risk evaluation tools. Her scientific approach bridges veterinary medicine, ecology, and toxicology, ensuring that her findings support both environmental policy and wildlife conservation initiatives.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Simultaneous determination of multiple antibiotics alerts on the occurrence of pharmaceutical cocktails in three vulture species from central Spain
Authors: Livia Spadetto; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Antonio Juan García-Fernández; José Manuel Zamora-Marín; Mario León-Ortega; Sarah Díaz-García; Fernando Tecles-Vicente; José Fenoll; Juana Cava-Artero; José Francisco Calvo et al.
Journal: Science of The Total Environment
Summary:
This study investigated the presence of multiple antibiotics in three vulture species from central Spain, providing evidence of pharmaceutical contamination in scavenger bird populations. Using advanced analytical methods, researchers simultaneously detected several antibiotics in tissue samples, highlighting the existence of “pharmaceutical cocktails” within these raptors. The findings raise concerns about the ecological and health risks of veterinary drug residues entering food webs through livestock carcasses, which are a major food source for vultures. This research underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical pollutants, improved management of livestock waste, and conservation strategies to mitigate potential impacts on threatened vulture populations and broader ecosystems.
Conclusion
Livia Spadetto represents a professional who unites veterinary1 expertise with ecological research, offering a rare and valuable profile for conservation and environmental science. Her career reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge, from veterinary medicine to advanced ecotoxicological studies, always driven by a passion for wildlife. She has balanced clinical practice with field and laboratory research, gaining a versatile set of skills applicable in diverse contexts. Her publications and collaborations show her ability to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement while engaging with conservation practitioners. Multilingual and internationally experienced, she brings cultural adaptability and strong communication abilities to her professional roles. Looking ahead, she seeks opportunities to apply her expertise in consulting, conservation projects, or research initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges. Committed to protecting biodiversity, she aims to contribute to sustainable solutions that safeguard ecosystems and wildlife populations for future generations while advancing scientific and practical outcomes.