Emerging diseases with a worldwide impact and the consequences for veterinary curricula

Emerging infections are being recognized at an alarming rate. In the case of emerging viral infections involving free-ranging wildlife, the intrusion of urban and agricultural enterprises into wildlife habitats appears to be playing a major role in the exchange of infectious agents of domestic to wildlife species and vice-versa. It is important that the veterinary profession prepares itself to respond to the threatening challenges. Creation of a course which addressed the principles of infectious diseases, diagnostic medicine, epidemiology, public health, population medicine and control are all imperative. This paper attempts to address some of the principle subjects matter areas which should be included in the course offering.