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The Global Public Good Concept is a global strategy for managing potential
risks at the human-animal interface, and veterinarians have a key role to play
in protecting both animals and humans. As a profession, veterinarians are
concerned about animal diseases and animal welfare, as well controlling
potential health risks along the food chain.
Since 60% of human pathogens and 75% of emerging diseases are zoonoses, or
diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, it is important to
ensure that the detection and subsequent spread of information about animal
diseases is as efficient as possible. Globally, it is important that official
veterinary services are prepared to detect, diagnose, and control animal
diseases, while it is important for national and international databases to
collect and distribute information about animal diseases in order to protect
both animal populations and humans.
As has become more and more apparent in recent times, we need to be sure that
our food supplies are safe. The World Organization for Animal Health, an
organization that was established in 1924, is recognized globally as the leader
in setting international animal welfare standards. Recently it has expanded its
original mandate (to “prevent animal diseases from spreading around the world”)
to include “the improvement of animal health around the world”. As an
organization, its three main objectives are: first to collect, analyze, and
disseminate scientific veterinary information on animal diseases, including
zoonotic diseases; second, to formally proclaim health standards for the safety
of international trade in animals and animal products; and third, to provide
expertise and encourage international solidarity in the control of animal
diseases.
Speaking at the World Veterinary Conference, Dr. Bernard Vallat, the Director
General of the World Organization for Animal Health, discussed the roles of the
veterinary profession in private practices, agri-food industries, wildlife
protection, food processing plants, pharmaceutical research, regulatory services
and international initiatives. He stressed the importance of veterinarians as
professionals who can ensure the health of our animal populations, thus helping
to meet our needs for public health and safety.
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