VMCOLL 6646: Zoonotic Diseases
This course aims to familiarize veterinary students with the epidemiology of priority zoonotic diseases in the U.S. and worldwide. It also prepares students to recognize zoonotic diseases and risk factors and to recommend effective prevention and control measures. Students are better able to communicate zoonotic health risks to clients, employees, and the public. Read about our teaching strategies for active and engaged learning here.
VETPREV 7721: Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Diseases Common to Animals and Humans
This course is focused on describing the basic epidemiology of common and important zoonotic diseases. Instruction emphasizes the use of such knowledge in the establishment of preventive and control strategies specific for these zoonoses. The importance of safeguarding public and animal health from such diseases is highlighted throughout the course. This course is divided into two major sections; the aim of the first section is to develop an understanding of important concepts on animal infectious diseases, such as definitions and categories of zoonoses, causation and disease association, regulatory agencies and zoonotic diseases, diagnostic techniques, and other related topics. The second section will be a comprehensive review of the most common zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to humans. For each disease, students will learn the etiologic agent, epidemiology, the most common manifestations of the disease in humans and animals, diagnostic procedures for detection, as well as preventive and control measures related to each zoonoses. Special topics about veterinary public health (VPH) and small animal populations, wildlife, and laboratory animals are also covered.
VETPREV 7723: Biosecurity, Emergency Response, and Outbreak Investigation
This course provides an overview of biosecurity, with special emphasis on bioterrorism, preparedness, emergency response, risk assessment, and management of zoonotic and foreign animal disease outbreaks. Regulations and regulatory agencies involved in preventing and controlling foreign animal and zoonotic diseases are also presented. Throughout the semester, students participate in a simulated, “real time” outbreak investigation to test their disease detective skills. Students also have the opportunity to don personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice working in the “hot zone” to respond to emergencies involving biologic agents.
VETPREV 7724: Environmental Health at the Human-Animal Interface
This course puts the health of the environment, a key component of the One Health triad, at the center as it explores environmental health issues related to animal agriculture and human-animal interactions. Topics include water and air quality, animal waste management, occupational safety, environmental toxicology, climate change, and how animals can serve as sentinels and bioindicators of environmental and human health.
