Veterinary public health

We need an integrated medical and veterinary approach T he World Health Organization defines veterinary public health as, “The sum of all contributions to the complete physical, mental and social well-being of humans through an understanding and application of veterinary medical science.”1 With this definition every veterinary surgeon contributes to public health, whether through provision of health care for pets, protection of animal welfare, biomedical research, or ensuring adequate food animal production and food safety. Veterinary public health impacts on human health by reducing exposure to hazards arising from animals, animal products, and their environment. Examples of these hazards include zoonoses, vector borne infections and other communicable diseases, chemicals and drugs used in animals, envenomations, and injuries from exposure to animals.1 The concept of veterinary public health originates in ancient …