Legal implications of zoonoses for clinical veterinarians.

JAVMA, Vol 233, No. 10, November 15, 2008 A human and animal populations increase, the need for veterinarians to serve as leaders in the prevention of and response to zoonotic diseases has never been greater. Zoonoses are defined as diseases that may be directly or indirectly transmitted from wild or domestic animals to humans. Of the 1,461 diseases now recognized in humans, approximately 60% are caused by pathogens classified as zoonotic on the basis of their ability to move across species lines. Over the past 30 years, approximately 75% of new emerging infectious diseases have been zoonotic. Recognition by the public that infectious disease outbreaks in people can often be attributed to animal contact reinforces the need to educate veterinarians on zoonotic diseases, the role veterinarians play in preventing zoonoses, and the legal liabilities associated with these roles and responsibilities. The role veterinarians play in public health issues associated with zoonotic agents and human health is evolving, necessitating a closer look at the ethical and legal responsibilities of veterinarians in regard to zoonotic diseases, as well as the legal repercussions that may be associated with a failure to act. The present report provides an introduction to some of the challenging issues veterinary practitioners may face in this regard.