The Future of Veterinary Medicine

Many of the infectious diseases (e.g. avian flu, swine flu, AIDS, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease) that spread in humans come from animals originally. The CDC estimates that number to be 75 percent.

Preventing new diseases in humans, as well as potential plagues, is crucial, and well-trained animal care professionals play a vital role. In 2001, veterinarians developed surveillance technology that provided the ability to stem an outbreak of avian influenza in Pennsylvania.

In one month's time, a potentially devastating outbreak was stopped at a cost of $400,000. At approximately the same time, a similar outbreak in Virginia cost the state $100 million. Clearly, it is safer, cheaper, healthier, and more effective to identify a disease before it appears in people.

Not only are we concerned about diseases of epidemic proportion, but as our world population grows, we also are increasingly faced with issues related to famine.

Food availability, safety and production are key areas of research and service for veterinarians. Our food sources need to be safe, healthy, and plentiful.

For example, in Pennsylvania, where agriculture is the most important industry, veterinarians provide advice on modern farming. By gathering information from swine production areas and dairy farms, veterinarians can examine these data to advise farmers on how to modify their feed formulations and additives and change milking schedules, tremendously increasing animal well-being and the economics.

Eating local food is a direct result. In Pennsylvania, veterinarians have developed a food safety system whereby poultry eggs can be tested for Salmonella. Creating a faster turnaround time helps egg producers comply with newer strict federal requirements. It also ensures public safety while protecting an agricultural economy that exceeds $644 million annually.

It has been well-documented that the animal-human connection provides a powerful healing bond. Service and therapy dogs really do enhance our quality of life. A common situation that develops in the elderly is the repercussion of a pet's illness. Often times, this event leads to the pet needing to leave the home. An additional outcome may be that the person ends up in a nursing home with little animal contact, which has been shown to improve their quality of life as well as, at times, their health.

But the animal-human connection extends into other areas as well. Many veterinarians transcend the animal world and advance our quality of life through research. They apply the knowledge they've gained through their research to design better treatment for animals and people in the areas of cancer, immune diseases, regenerative medicine, neurological disorders and allergies.

We have a moral obligation to study our companion animals on this planet; it's a practical issue that the animals that serve us, feed us, and take care of us be healthy. In doing so, we must redefine the veterinarian's role.