[Protection of the environment and veterinary public health activities]

The author discusses the health status of 800 million persons who live in developing countries under conditions of absolute misery, and the 450 million on the brink of starvation, taking into account environmental factors which directly affect this situation of shortages, illness and death. Data are presented on diseases directly related to environmental conditions: 200 million people infested with schistosomes and 500 million at risk of infestation. In the case of Chagas' disease, 16 to 18 million are infected and 90 million at risk. The epidemiological situation regarding plague, the epidemiological risks of leptospirosis, the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex and other infectious and parasitic diseases are discussed. A description is given of the organisation and function of veterinary public health services, with comments on, and justification of the various activities which can be undertaken to prevent, reduce and even eradicate various diseases associated with poor hygienic conditions in the environment. Finally, proposals are made to revise the academic instruction of veterinarians. There is an urgent need to promote collaboration between institutes and between disciplines if the environment is to be protected and lives saved.