The contribution of veterinary toxicology to environmental health.

An account is given of three major functions of veterinary toxicology in relation to environmental health. These are: 1) Environmental (epidemiological) toxicology with reference to mass intoxications in domestic animals and wildlife and their role in the early detection of detrimental environmental quality caused by toxic chemicals. 2) Comparative pharmacology and toxicology: The impact of animal poisonings on discoveries in human health or on the development of novel concepts in these disciplines. 3) Regulatory toxicology: The role of the veterinary profession is emphasized in the safeguarding of food with special reference to meat inspection regulations and biological residues in edible tissues.