BMJ  2005;331:1213-1214 (26 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7527.1213

Editorial

Veterinary public health

We need an integrated medical and veterinary approach

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The 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 Egypt, when healer priests drew no distinctions between caring for human patients and animals. They gained much knowledge from the anatomy and diseases of animals, which they applied . . . [Full text of this article]

Cameron Stewart, specialist in veterinary public health

(cameron.stewart@svs.gsi.gov.uk)
Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow G3 7LN

John Cowden, consultant in health protection, Jim McMenamin, consultant in health protection, Bill Reilly, consultant in veterinary public health

Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow G3 7LN


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