Animal Disease and Zoonoses 
A US Army veterinarian technician vaccinates cow in Nicaragua during Continuing Promise 2010 

Animal Diseases play an important role in public health.  Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans or humans to animals.  Over 60-70% of animal diseases are zoonotic diseases; and over the past 30 years, approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases have been zoonotic.  Animal Diseases are also important to consider because of economic (food) and potential military movement implications.  For example, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) can be economically devastating; because it affects animals such as cows, goats, and sheep and will stop economic trade between countries as well as movement through that country due to the high potential of spreading the disease including bringing it back to the US on vehicles or cargo.  Army veterinarians, veterinary food service warrant officers, food inspection specialists, and animal care specialists all play an important role in recognizing and preventing animal diseases, inspecting food for potential diseases, and conducting investigations related to animals or food diseases.

Link to Rabies webpage.


Questions regarding Animal Disease and Zoonoses may be directed to the APHC Clinical Veterinary Medicine Program, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.