Veterinary Public Health by N. Garambone
Zoonotic
Transmission of Disease as a Major Public Health Issue by Nina Garambone, MPH ‘17
National
Public Health Week kicked off their evening academic sessions with “The Henry Schein
Veterinary Public Health Seminar: How Veterinary Medicine Improves Community Health”
on Monday April 3rd. Speakers at this presentation included
veterinarian, John Charos, Special Markets Manager for Henry Schein Animal
Health, Beth Harrison, and the Northeast Program Manager for Canine Companions
for Independence, Ellen Torop. Each of
the presenters gave interesting insight into the role that animals play in human
public health in both a positive and negative vein.
The
seminar began with an overview by Beth Harrison who introduced zoonotic
diseases and why they have an impact on public health. Non-vaccine compliance
and antibiotic resistance were named as a few culprits in the spread of
zoonotic diseases to humans. Misinformation about vaccines both in animals and
humans lead to non-compliance. Additionally, inappropriate use of antibiotics has lead to resistance both in humans and
animals. Ms. Harrison urged the audience to continue the efforts to educate the
public about the importance of vaccines both for humans and their pets along
with appropriate antibiotic use to help stop the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Following
Ms. Harrison was Dr. John Charos who spoke about the history of the study of
zoonotic diseases, the role of veterinarians in public health and possible
threats of disease transmission to animals or humans. The first veterinarian to
study the link between humans and animals was Dr. James Harlan Steele when he
became interested in preventing the spread of disease by zoonotic factors. Dr.
Charos continued on to speak about the health triad and the important connection
there is between humans animals and our environment. He further drove home his
point by discussing examples of humans becoming infection with canine heartworm
and lyme disease. Lastly, Dr. Charos spoke about how help prevent the spread
of disease and what future public health leaders can do to help.
The
seminar was concluded with a moving presentation from Ellen Torop who works
with the nonprofit organization Canine Companions for Independence. This
organization enhances the lives of people living with disabilities by providing
highly trained canine companions and provide ongoing support to ensure quality
partnerships. These dogs provide assistance such as turning on or off lights, alert
deaf companion of their surrounding environment and even help with activities
of daily living. Ms. Torop provided an
overview of the extensive training that the canine’s complete along with a
first hand demonstration by one of the trainees. Lastly, brochures were
provided so that those interest could get involved by volunteering with the
organization.
Animals
and humans are interconnected on many levels as demonstrated by the speakers in
this presentation. From disease transmission to living day to day, animals can
have a huge impact on public health. It is important to understand and respect
the relationship in addition furthering investigation and education into this
fairly new field of zoonotic public health.
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