Veterinary epidemiology in Latin America

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• One Health
• Animal Health Economics

Background:

• Veterinary epidemiology in Latin America originated in the 1960s-70s within universities and animal health institutes.
• The discipline evolved from existing veterinary practices in public health, infectious diseases, biostatistics, and animal health program management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the historical development and evolution of veterinary epidemiology in Latin America.
• To highlight the integration of political, social, scientific, and methodological factors in the discipline.
• To discuss the impact of international collaboration and postgraduate education on veterinary epidemiology in the region.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of the development of veterinary epidemiology in Latin America.
• Review of the integration of various factors (political, social, scientific) into the discipline.
• Examination of the role of international academic and financial support.

Main Results:

• Veterinary epidemiology in Latin America developed from existing veterinary fields, incorporating a broad spectrum of influencing factors.
• Postgraduate training from North American and European universities, along with intergovernmental support, significantly advanced the discipline.
• The ISVEE 10 conference in Chile (2003) fostered crucial connections within the Latin American veterinary epidemiology and economics community.

Conclusions:

• Latin American veterinary epidemiology programs share core conceptual and methodological elements despite variations in depth.
• Effective epidemiology teaching requires educators with a broad, open, and globally informed perspective.
• The discipline's growth is linked to international academic exchange and a comprehensive understanding of animal health determinants.