Animal health and human health are closely interconnected, with more than 60% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originating from animals. Effective disease surveillance, supported by robust veterinary diagnostic systems, plays a critical role in detecting, monitoring, and controlling diseases before they spread widely. Modern veterinary diagnostics—from conventional laboratory testing to molecular techniques, genomic sequencing, and point-of-care technologies—enable rapid identification of pathogens, facilitate evidence-based disease control, and strengthen food safety and public health. This article explores how veterinary diagnostics underpin disease surveillance, highlights their importance within the One Health framework, discusses emerging diagnostic technologies, and examines the challenges and future opportunities for improving surveillance systems that protect animals, humans, and the environment.
Kaushlendra Singh and Komal Asha Yadav (Wed,) studied this question.