Teodulo M. Topacio, Jr.
Member, National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines
doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.1998.5874
Abstract
The veterinarian has been more closely identified with agriculture. specifically food animal production. Under the present state of economic development of the Philippines, this identity is appropriate and relevant. Thecountry is still unable to meet the protein needs of the people through the adequate supply of food of animal origin (terrestrial and aquatic). To achieve the self sufficiency in food of animal origin. their production and health, need to be maintained and promoted. This is the important role of the veterinarian. However, as a consequence of the rapid developments in agriculture, a new field in veterinary medicine was born: veterinary public health. It is defined as: “a component of public health activities devoted to the application of professional veterinary skills, knowledge. and resources towards the protection and improvement of human health”. The areas of concern in this field are:
- Food animal production (quantity and quality).
- Ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of terrestrial and aquatic animals for human consumption.
2.1 Inspection of food animal products. manufacturing and processing plants.
2.2 Prevention and control of harmful chemicals and drug residues in edible meat. - Supervision of food animal exports and imports including their by-products.
- Zoonoses – diseases of animals naturally transmissible and common to humans.
- Disaster veterinary medicine (disastrology).
- Environmental protection and health.
- Comparative medicine: biomedical research.
- Ethology and animal welfare.