Veterinarians pay an integral role in the surveillance of animal diseases and the preservation of global health.
In this course, students will learn how to recognize the clinical signs and diagnostic lesions associated with the most important transboundary animal diseases as identified by the World Organization for Animal Health [French translation: Office International des Epizooties (OID)]. Further, students will learn about the authoritative organizations, both in the Americas and within relevant agencies in the United Kingdom and European Union, that coordinate rapid response systems during an animal disease outbreak. In addition, students will learn about proper sample collection in the field and the recommended molecular tests that are used to provide confirmatory etiologic diagnosis. A combination of seminars, small-group activities, guided peer teaching, clinical-based learning, and historical accounts of disease outbreaks will be utilized as teaching methods in this course. This course is also open to all DVM students as an elective. This course is particularly relevant for all veterinary students pursuing careers in large/mixed animal practice, as well as those students interested in careers in animal production, pathology, laboratory diagnostics, epidemiology, research, public health, government/military, and veterinary preventive medicine. Course material will be relevant to students of all nationalities including the US- and UK-based students as part of the AVMA and RCVS requirements, respectively.