Even though the recognition of this dates back to the 20th century, its contribution has been reported hundreds of years earlier, and it originates from when man began observing and domesticating animals for consumption.
Villa (2002) "The contribution of veterinary medicine to public health has been recognized since the 1970s by the Pan American Health Organization, now the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through the FAO/WHO Joint Committee of Experts in Veterinary Public Health and the World Health Organization (WHO)."
Veterinary doctors are the only health professionals who are able to apply an approach of prevention, control, and eradication of infectious diseases in both animal and human populations. The zoonotic approach, along with knowledge of the physiological differences between species and expertise in epidemiological surveillance, allows for a connection between animal production and human population health.
Areas of action of the Veterinarian in Public Health.
| Prevention, control, and elimination of zoonoses. | · Intervention in natural or man-made disasters. |
| Prevention and control of animal health problems of social and economic importance. | · Prevention of occupational hazards or those associated with live animals and their products. |
| Food safety and quality of animal-derived products. | · Development of biomedical models for human health research. |
| Livestock exchange within and beyond borders. | · Training and capacity building of human resources involved in public health. |
| Investigation of foodborne disease outbreaks. | · Formulation and implementation of local and community development projects. |
| Research and early detection, prevention, and control of exotic animal diseases, emerging zoonoses, and biological threats. | · Research, promotion, and application of efficient biotechnological developments appropriate to social, economic, and cultural conditions. |
| Control and protection of the environment from animal waste and the effects of certain management practices. | · Promotion and participation in the formulation and implementation of intersectoral initiatives and public policies that promote human health and well-being. |
| Promotion of human population health and well-being. | · Hacer operable la colaboración intersectorial e interdisciplinaria entre agricultura y salud publica |
| Production, development, and promotion of the appropriate use of biologics and reagents. | · Promotion of responsible ownership of companion animals. |
Novoa (2008) It is undeniable the importance of the role played by the Veterinarian in the development of our society. In most Latin American countries, this importance is not recognized and, at times, is ignored.
The implications of the profession are very broad and important for the well-being of both humans and animals. It is very helpful for the general population to be aware of this, as this health professional contributes by fulfilling their commitment to the physical, mental, and social well-being of human beings.
Bibliography.
Villa Ramírez, U. J. (2018). Correspondence between labor competencies and essential public health competencies of the veterinarian, psychologist, and health information system manager in public health teams of the municipalities in the northeast and Magdalena Medio subregions, Antioquia 2017.
Novoa, C. A. S., & Quiceno, V. H. A. (2008). The social importance of the Veterinary Medicine professional. REDVET. Electronic Veterinary Journal, 9(6), 1-6.
Peralta, E. Á. (2006). Veterinary public health in the 21st century. Biomedicina, 2(2), 180-185.
