Most of us think of veterinarians as private practitioners involved in pet care (small animal medicine) or farm animal care (large animal medicine). Veterinarians also play important roles in medical research, ecology, public health, wildlife, and exotic animals, as well as food and agricultural production and inspection.

Also, because of their training, veterinarians play a significant role at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).

The biomedical and clinical education of veterinarians is comparable to physicians. Veterinarians are also trained to deal with multiple species, preventive medicine, population health, parasitology, zoonoses (diseases passed between animals and humans), and epidemiology, preparing them for careers in public health—protecting and improving both human and animal health.

Since the late 1800s, 14 diseases have been completely eliminated from livestock in the United States. This has allowed U.S. citizens to have access to a nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food supply. The eradication of these diseases has benefited the U.S. livestock industry and human health by significantly reducing zoonotic diseases.

Research veterinarians also play an important role in improving human health in addition to animal health. Scientific advances in veterinary medicine often provide new insights into human health.

The veterinary profession has a significant role in public health through the care of companion animals. Although our pets become important members of our families, they also represent a potential public health threat. By client education, vaccinations, and parasite control, veterinarians help prevent many human diseases.

Concerns about antibiotic resistance, animal waste, and pesticides and their impact on the environment have led to a new scientific discipline called ecosystem health in which veterinarians have taken a lead role.

Humans, animals, and animal products now move rapidly across continents. Pathogens are adapting and mutating causing antibiotic resistances and the ability to cross species. Diseases like ARS (acute respiratory syndrome), West Nile virus, monkey pox, and avian and swine flu are examples and point out the need to view diseases globally. Animal, human, and public health epidemiologists must work together to ensure early detection, diagnosis, and response strategies.

Veterinarians at the CDC are part of a team that is responsible for a wide range of public health issues—environmental health, infectious disease, immunizations, laboratory animal medicine, global health (migration and quarantine), and bioterrorism.

East Bare Hill Road resident Fred Karotkin is a veterinarian.