Zoological medicine and public health.

Full Abstract

Public-health issues regarding zoological collections and free-ranging wildlife have historically been linked to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases and accidents relating to bites or injection of venom or toxins by venomous animals. It is only recently that major consideration has been given worldwide to the role of the veterinary profession in contributing to investigating zoonotic diseases in free-ranging wildlife and integrating the concept of public health into the management activities of game preserves and wildlife parks. At the veterinary undergraduate level, courses in basic epidemiology, which should include outbreak investigation and disease surveillance, but also in population medicine, in infectious and parasitic diseases (especially new and emerging or re-emerging zoonoses), and in ecology should be part of the core curriculum. Foreign diseases, especially dealing with zoonotic diseases that are major threats because of possible agro-terrorism or spread of zoonoses, need to be taught in veterinary college curricula. Furthermore, knowledge of the principles of ecology and ecosystems should be acquired either during pre-veterinary studies or, at least, at the beginning of the veterinary curriculum. At the post-graduate level, master's degrees in preventive veterinary medicine, ecology and environmental health, or public health with an emphasis on infectious diseases should be offered to veterinarians seeking job opportunities in public health and wildlife management.

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Author information

Author/s: Chomel, Bruno B (BB); Osburn, Bennie I (BI);

Affiliation: Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. bbchomel(-atsign-)ucdavis.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of veterinary medical education (J Vet Med Educ), published in Canada. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 33 (issue 3) : pp 346-51

Dates: Created 2006/10/12; Completed 2006/12/04; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 17035205, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals
Animals, Wild
Animals, Zoo
Disease Outbreaks - veterinary
Disease Transmission, Infectious - prevention & control; veterinary
Education, Continuing
Education, Veterinary

Epidemiology - education
Humans
Public Health
Sentinel Surveillance - veterinary
United States
Veterinary Medicine - standards
Zoonoses

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