Public Health Veterinarian
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Public health veterinarians work to protect the health of both humans and animals. They are responsible for preventing and controlling diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, known as zoonoses. Public health veterinarians also work to ensure the safety of the food supply and to protect the environment.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of public health veterinarians include:
- Investigating and controlling outbreaks of zoonotic diseases
- Developing and implementing programs to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases
- Inspecting food animals and food processing plants to ensure the safety of the food supply
- Educating the public about zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them
- Conducting research on zoonotic diseases
Education and Training
Public health veterinarians must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary school. They must also complete a residency in public health or a related field. Public health veterinarians must be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state in which they work.
Skills
Public health veterinarians must have a strong understanding of veterinary medicine, public health, and epidemiology. They must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Public health veterinarians must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for public health veterinarians is expected to be good for the next several years. The increasing demand for food safety and the growing number of zoonotic diseases are expected to drive job growth in this field.
Transferable Skills
The skills that public health veterinarians develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, including:
