Pantaleo (Leo) is a veterinarian, researcher, and lecturer with extensive international experience in veterinary public health, animal health, and animal welfare. He grew up on his family farm in Puglia, Italy, where his grandfather inspired in him a lifelong passion for animals and Africa.
He graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bologna in 2007 and completed several postgraduate qualifications at leading universities. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Bologna’s Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, where he is also undertaking an ECAWBM (AWSEL) residency.
Leo has worked in Italy, the UK, Malta, France, and Ethiopia across private practice, government, NGOs, research institutes, academia, and international veterinary consulting.
Since 2012, he has served within the Maltese Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights. He is currently Principal Veterinary Officer in the Policy Department, leading national, European, and international initiatives, including expert and working groups with the European Commission, WOAH, EFSA scientific networks, and REMESA.He also contributes to academia as a part-time lecturer at MCAST, teaching across animal health, welfare, and production disciplines. His research focuses on animal welfare assessment, perception, and One Health. He is a member of Veterinary Without Borders (VSF Italy) and UFAW. His goal is to advance One Health through science-based policy, research, and professional education.
