Veterinarians are often known for their roles in treating our pets and our farm animals. However, their responsibilities and skills go beyond these positions. While many people know that veterinarians are involved with marine life, wildlife, zoos, and shelters, it is also important to point out that they have a critical part in public health and government.
Veterinarians in private practice also contribute to public health. They are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases of animals that may affect both owners and their communities. This may include vaccinating against certain pathogens, implementing parasite control programs, and educating the public on certain diseases that could be harmful to public health. Veterinarians are also taught to report certain diseases to public health officials and collaborate with human medical professionals on zoonotic infections. Many diseases have been eradicated or significantly controlled due to veterinary inspection of animal imports and exports, which plays an important part in the defense against foreign animal diseases
Veterinarians also have careers directly in research and public health surveillance. These individuals are involved in understanding interactions between diseases, their hosts (animal or human), the environment, and how these connections impact society and our economy. This research leads to developing new therapies to manage and prevent threats to our health. As the World Health Organization has discussed, research of many diseases is handicapped by a lack of knowledge, and veterinarians are part of the equation to breaking through that barrier.
Veterinarians are involved in making sure medications, vaccines and medical devices are safe and effective. They work with the FDA, USDA, and EPA to regulate these areas and encourage the development of safer and more effective products.
At both the state and federal levels of government, veterinarians work in food safety, disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, laboratory animal care, biomedical research, and public health management. At the state level, each department of agriculture has a state veterinarian responsible for protecting livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and the public. These veterinarians regulate the import and processing of animals to control and eradicate diseases, as well as protect the welfare of these animals. Veterinarians are also involved in the legislative branch of the government to publicize laws, rules, and regulations that protect public health and national defense.
Veterinarians protect not only our pets, but play a crucial role in protecting humans, other animals, and society.