After finishing his master degree in Biology with focus on the immune system, Erik succeeded also the study for becoming a veterinarian. After some years working as bovine practitioner, he became lecturer at the Veterinary Faculty, teaching physiology. His PhD thesis focused on the calving process of cows, which can be described as an inflammatory process. About ten years ago, Erik started working at the Animal Health Service as immunologist, however after some years he changed to bacteriology for which he received the Dutch specialization. Erik is involved in several studies on detection and characterization of veterinary important pathogens. This also includes the production and improvement of autologous vaccines, a really promising topic at this moment.