Notes on technical progress in veterinary public health.

Abstract

Scientific and technical progress in the field of veterinary public health (VPH) over the last one hundred years has contributed to the protection of consumer health and the environment. This report presents examples of the success achieved in the control of epizootics of tuberculosis, brucellosis, rabies and trichinellosis, which are also zoonotic diseases. The discussion also considers hygiene measures in relation to Listeria in food as well as certain challenges resulting from the spread of latent infections among farm animals. The increasing incidence of Salmonella infections among humans is also considered. Other important VPH tasks include the control of chemical residues of varying origin and of toxic biological substances in foods. Examples are also presented of measures taken and problems which arise in connexion with ensuring that meat is produced under hygienic conditions (meat inspection). The principles involved in efficient controls of establishments and products are outlined. Technical progress in consumer protection is exemplified by the processes of pasteurisation, cooling and freezing, and the limitation of additives. Other important tasks arise in the disposal of animal carcasses and wastes, and in the fields of animal welfare and genetic engineering. Future activities in VPH will depend upon proper education, onward and postgraduate training for veterinarians, and suitable infrastructures for research, examination and surveillance.