Legal responsibilities of veterinarians in the control of zoonotic diseases

This discussion of legal issues that may arise from the existence of zoonotic diseases is not meant to cause alarm; rather, it is meant to alert members of the profession to possibilities, not probabilities. The very nature of any discussion of legal issues, especially a discussion of case law in which someone is always suing somebody else, exaggerates the true-life situation. Although it is everyone's hope that they will not be involved in litigation, it is wise to be aware of the problems that may arise in connection with zoonotic diseases.     

Nutritional tips for veterinarians

As a herd‐living, nonruminant, hindgut fermenting, primarily grazing herbivore the horse has evolved with a specialised gastrointestinal tract capable of utilising a wide range of plant species, which are hydrolysed and/or fermented to yield energy and nutrients for bodily processes. Domestication has resulted in the horse often being fed and managed to suit human requirements rather than their own, which can lead to digestive, behavioural and clinical issues. Appropriate nutrition not only reduces the risk of a nutritional component being a limiting factor to performance, but it also supports the maintenance of health and appropriate behaviour. A basic understanding of the digestive processes therefore can be very valuable when deciding how to feed horses optimally for both health and activity. This article provides a general overview of the gastrointestinal tract from a nutritional perspective and points out a few key practical areas where knowledge of feeding practices can be helpful for veterinarians.     

Continuing professional development for veterinarians

Continuing professional development for veterinarians is expected to commence in the year after graduation and continue until retirement. The World Organisation for Animal Health standard for veterinary services is based on principles of an ethical, organisational and technical nature, and a mix of regulation, self-regulation and quality assurance approaches are used. Few jurisdictions have made a minimum requirement of continuing professional development, measured in hours or units, mandatory in 2004, however, there is an increasing expectation of veterinarians to keep a personal record of their continuing professional development activities. Such records might assist in defending complaints about professional misconduct, and provide a basis for planning and monitoring personal professional growth. Continuing professional development can be obtained by a variety of means through structured and unstructured learning activities. The rapid advances in communication technologies and ready access to available electronic databases at the beginning of the 21st century is rapidly changing the way students learn in veterinary schools and how they will acquire continuing professional development during their careers. Universities, governments, professional associations and special interest groups all have roles to play in the delivery of continuing professional development to the veterinary profession and to ensure a structure is in place to monitor improvements in the delivery of quality veterinary services.