Flu Pandemic Shows One Health Applied in the Trenches

Sometimes, the concept of One Health seems like a lofty, “pie in the sky” concept.  The convergence of human, animal and environmental health might seem a bit hard to visualize for some.  But sometimes it comes crashing down on us with harsh reality, reminding us this world isn’t as big as it seems.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock – and you probably still would have heard about this if you were – there’s a public health emergency going on right now.  Public health officials with the state and federal governments are investigating a new virus causing illness and, in some instances, deaths in people.  Although it’s been labeled “swine flu,” it’s really a mixture of human, pig and bird flu viruses from various areas of the globe that came together to create a new virus.  They come together under just the right conditions, swap some DNA, and make a new viral strain.  See, even viruses practice One Health in a way…but it’s obviously not to our benefit. 
 

Fighting a flu virus, and this one in particular, is a perfect example of how One Health can be applied in the trenches.  This gives an all-new meaning to “germ warfare,” and we refuse to surrender.  Although the virus has not been reported in pigs and the people who became ill did not have contact with pigs, veterinarians and the swine industry have increased surveillance for illness in swine imported to or already in the US.  Physicians are investigating and treating ill people.  Veterinarians, physicians and laboratory technicians are working side-by-side in laboratories, testing the virus to figure out how we can fight it and maybe even eliminate it.  They’re also working as a team to trace the origins of the virus so we can piece together the puzzle and solve the mystery.  Lessons learned from all of this will not only save lives, but help prevent future outbreaks. 
 

This isn’t the time to panic.  Whether it’s swine flu or good ol’ seasonal flu, it’s the time to be alert, use common sense and good hygiene, and reduce the risk that you’ll either catch or spread a disease.

More time for transplants

More time for transplants
When it comes to getting kidneys to organ transplant patients, the clock is always ticking. In an effort to buy more precious time, researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed an organ transplant storage solution that preserves canine kidneys twice as long as current solutions, for six days as opposed to three. As human trials begin, the researchers, led by veterinarians Jonathan McAnulty and Christopher Murphy, say their efforts could boost the number of kidneys available for transplant in the U.S. and around the world.

One Health

The health of people, animals, and our environment are each inextricably interconnected.  Understanding and addressing the health issues created at this intersection is the concept of One Health.

You may be surprised that this is not a new concept. The theory was supported in the 1800s by William Osler and Rudolf Virchow, the Father of Comparative Pathology. Our increasing interdependence with animals and their products has spurred the veterinary profession to collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals, and our environment. Read more

Becoming a Veterinarian

Before applying to veterinary college/school, future veterinarians must successfully complete university level pre-veterinary undergraduate course work that usually takes four years and a bachelor’s degree. Each college or school of veterinary medicine establishes its own pre-veterinary requirements, but typically these include demonstrating basic language and communication skills, and completion of courses in the social sciences, humanities, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics.

 Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive with the number of qualified applicants admitted to veterinary schools varying from year to year. There are more than eight applications for each of the approximately 2,600 slots available each year. Read more

Roles of Veterinarians

Veterinarians care for the health of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories. That work ultimately affects the health of human beings both directly and indirectly. Veterinarians use their skills to protect against diseases that can infect both animals and humans (called “zoonotic’) and conduct clinical research on health problems like diabetes, arthritis or cancer that affect humans and animals. Others work in basic research, broadening our knowledge of animals and medical science, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.

Becoming a Veterinarian FAQ

To pursue a veterinary career, what should be done in high school?
Take as many courses in biology, math, and other sciences (including chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology) as you can manage while in high school – this will help you prepare for your college courses, and also help you decide if this is the right path for you.

Ask a veterinarian if they would be able to mentor you as you choose which veterinary path you want to follow.  Most veterinarians are interested in helping future veterinarians find their own niche among the many choices offered to them.

Volunteer or work for a veterinarian.  You can work for a veterinarian who does what you hope to do, or with one who does something different so you can get exposed to something new.

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