I’m a veterinarian
You are a vital link in the biosecurity chain, both for preventing and limiting the spread of disease at many levels. Today’s veterinarians are in the unique position of being the only doctors trained to protect the health of both animals and people. You are at the forefront of the strategy: Animals + Humans = One health
Whatever your professional activity, you play an important role in the eradication and prevention of disease in animals and in the protection of public health at national and European level. In addition, you are responsible for offering your expertise and knowledge in a local situation, translating theory into practical solutions and contributing to the prevention and control of animal diseases.
Depending on your professional activity, the precise impact of biosecurity on your role varies.
Are you a veterinary practitioner?
Whether you treat only pets or farm animals, or both, as a veterinary practitioner, you diagnose animal health problems, treat infections or disease, and vaccinate against major diseases. You are the information relay, providing advice to citizens on how to prevent disease and to travel with their pets.
Are you a state veterinary officer?
If you are a state veterinary officer, your primary role is to prevent animal disease and promote food safety. You may act as a livestock inspector, checking animals for transmissible diseases or carrying out inspections in slaughterhouses. You may be employed at border inspection posts, verifying the health and certificates of imported animals or products of animal origin, to prevent the introduction of diseases in the EU.
You may be involved in national disease eradication programmes, the protection of public health and food or animal inspection. You may supervise movements of animals, test for diseases, and manage campaigns to prevent and eradicate diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis and rabies that pose threats to animal and human health. You are responsible for enforcing animal welfare standards.
You may also help to elaborate or implement legislation regarding these domains, or work in state veterinary laboratories – acting as a link between citizens and their animals, and national and EU authorities. In addition, you may be called on to advise the government and work in conjunction with practising veterinarians in case of disease outbreaks.