Veterinary public health (VPH) is a component of public health that focuses on the application of veterinary science to protect and improve the physical, mental and social well-being of humans. About 60% of all human infectious diseases, and up to 75% of emerging infectious diseases, are of animal origin. Managing risks of disease exposure and spread is an important activity in veterinary public health. Work includes multidisciplinary collaboration with human and environmental medical professionals in the areas of individual health, population health, and comparative medicine, as well as participation in joint disease surveillance efforts. Improving animal health and productivity through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and management practices such as nutritional and environmental management, are important aspects of VPH as is preparing for and responding to animal disasters and emergencies.
Food safety is another important aspect of veterinary public health and includes managing the impacts of animal welfare by preventing and mitigating stresses associated with production, transport, and harvest to ensure safe and wholesome animal protein products. Surveillance programs including diagnostic testing, meat inspection programs, education on food storage, handling, and preparation, and communications which influence consumer confidence in the meat supply are part of VPH as well as antimicrobial stewardship. Veterinary public health also promotes the protection of human health, safety, and wellbeing through research and education on occupational and environmental risks, study of the human-animal bond, and mental health support for individuals experiencing stress pertaining to factors such as animal disease outbreaks.
Values held by VMPM’s public health researchers also include improving public health on a global scale through improving One Health knowledge, improving development and opportunities, empowering women, alleviating poverty through improving animal health, increasing knowledge of zoonoses, and most of all educating students and communities about One Health issues.
