Veterinary public health in world-wide animal health and production.

The first section of this paper presents a concise analysis of the current world situation in animal health, zoonoses, food production and hygiene and Veterinary Services. The second section discusses future perspectives for healthy animal production in relation to veterinary public health problems. The coming decades will be crucial for the future of Veterinary Services. The protection of human health and the improvement of food production through animal health will continue to be the priorities of these services. Scientific and technological developments and the many associated changes in human living conditions and needs, as well as in animal production, call for a general revision of veterinary philosophy, strategy and programmes. In this context, it is recommended that efforts be made to significantly strengthen activities aimed at protecting human health against diseases of animal origin.