In the area of ecosystem health, veterinarians are engaged in interdisciplinary research on behalf of human and animal health in the natural and altered ecosystems of our cities, farms, and wild areas. This breadth of involvement enables them to be a valuable resource in control, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of environmentally associated diseases in people and animals, including those associated with contaminants. Veterinary researchers need increased funding for competitive grants in environmental health in order to continue to improve human health. Veterinarians have made significant contributions to understanding environmental health risks and solving environmental problems. Veterinary researchers have been active team members in organized responses to environmental disasters worldwide.
Veterinarians are often the first to detect and contain newly emerging environmental diseases.
Integrated environmental monitoring and health data collection and analysis to identify and counteract acute and chronic health effects of environmental hazards affecting people, domestic animals, and wildlife. Systems to identify and monitor sentinel species most appropriate for early detection of environmental health hazards to people. Establish methods to characterize and reduce the human and animal health risks associated with pesticide use on farm livestock and household pets. Improved strategies for better protection of animal and public health Improved national capacity for environmental health research. Early detection and prevention of environmentally induced health effects in animals and people.