Which critical public health function involves veterinarians identifying and controlling zoonotic diseases?
Veterinary surveillance for illnesses transmissible between animals and people.
A critically important, yet often less visible, duty of the veterinarian is safeguarding public health through surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are defined specifically as illnesses capable of passing from animal populations to human communities. By actively diagnosing, monitoring, and implementing control measures for pathogens like rabies, avian influenza, or Lyme disease in animals, veterinarians act as essential frontline guardians, often detecting potential widespread health threats before they can significantly impact human populations. This proactive role highlights the profession's commitment to the shared principles of One Health.
