Future trends in veterinary public health.

Since the publication of the report of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Veterinary Public Health in 1975, many significant developments have occurred in this field. The present report of a WHO Study Group re-examines the role and functions of veterinary public health and its contribution to public health practice today and in the years to come. Since 1975, new, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases have acquired global significance for human health, and have required rapid responses from, and teamwork between, physicians, veterinarians, and biologists. The veterinary sector has a long distinguished history in contributing to the maintenance and promotion of public health. As health is multidimensional, health policy and practice should be interdisciplinary and intersectoral. Therefore, the contributions of other sectors--in particular agriculture, animal health and production, food industry, education, housing, public works, and communications--are vital. Such concerted action is particularly needed in developing countries with weak infrastructures and limited resources. This report reviews current and foreseen global changes for their potential implications on veterinary public health with regards to national and international policies, management of programmes and training. The report also provides recommendations for action in these areas.