Accredited veterinarians are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding and protecting animal and public health. When an accredited veterinarian signs a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or Health Certificate, they are certifying that when they inspected or examined the animals they were not showing signs of contagious, infectious, or communicable disease. Increases in global travel, companion animal and exotic pet ownership, and the commercial production of food animals to feed our nation and the world have further necessitated the accredited veterinarian's role in preventive medicine.
Preventing the exposure to pathogens is the cornerstone to disease prevention and enhanced animal health. Two terms are often used to describe disease prevention measures: Biosecurity and infection control. Through implementation of well-designed biosecurity measures, we can help prevent or minimize exposure of animals to disease threats. Infection control measures can help protect ourselves, our staff, and our clients from zoonotic disease risks.
Accredited veterinarians can promote appropriate disease prevention and control strategies for their clients, their employees, and others involved in the animal health industry. Critical control points for preventing disease entry and spread in the clinic, in shelters, and on livestock operations will be covered in this module.
Center for Food Security and Public Health