They are interested in kinds and numbers of animals kept, disease identification methods and traditional treatment. The students' project is part of the university's International Educational Initiative in Ghana, which was launched two years ago to expand multicultural and global awareness through curricula and international partnerships. The students will gain firsthand knowledge of global issues in epidemiology and the practical impact of disease on the health of animals. Should a future international animal disease alert sound, these students will have an edge on recognizing early clinical signs in the domestic arena. Cowen, chair of the CVM International Programs and director of the World Health Organization Consulting Center on Graduate Training in International Public Health, said veterinarians worldwide have a mandate to promote and improve animal and human health.
Animal agriculture is vitally important to human health.
A former Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, he operated two fishery stations and fish pond production projects from 1987 to 1989. He is familiar with the language and culture and has consulted with former Ghanaian colleagues to prepare for the project. In Ghana, the team will use Cape Coast University as home base. They say they are approaching the study in a social and scientific way. First, they will confer with local veterinarians to determine the extent to which Western style veterinary medicine is employed.