Abstract
The veterinary profession evolved as an infrastructure dedicated to the well-being of animal protein production. Epidemiology evolved as a discipline to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness with which that task might be accomplished. The traditional targets of these applications have been the myriad infections and conditions which impede growth, feed conversion and productivity in the animal population. Together, they have achieved measured success. In the 1990s, while increased productivity remains a continuing goal, it is overshadowed by the need to market in a world of surpluses, subsidy wars, non-tariff trade barriers and increasingly capricious public attitudes to animal protein and its perceived dangers. BSE, Listeria and Salmonella enteritidis stand as recent examples of actual or perceived food-borne threats, triggering consumer rejection of associated animal products. In their wake they leave sectors of the industry battered, if not broken, by the associated strain. Within this environment, veterinary medicine must reasses its goals. To honour its mandate of supporting the industry's viability, it must share in the resolution of this growing ‘consumer’ challenge. The profession is well positioned to address the problem, given its historic association with public health and its intimate knowledge of the pathogens of public concern. In an era of recession and restraint, epidemiology offers a venue to the assessment, and cost-effective appliation, of remedial measures. Its objectivity will feed the necessary communications link between consumer and producers. The situation offers veterinary medicine a new area of growth and satisfaction equivalent to its other endeavours. Epidemiologists are challenged to lead the effort. The image of veterinary public health need never be the same.
Published Version
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