The role of the representatives and specialists of veterinary medicine in the prophylaxis of zoonoses has been characterized. Their contribution is expressed in the prophylaxis and control of animal diseases caused by pathogens that are also pathogenic for humans. This activity is influenced by the directives of the European Union and in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Besides occurring in food animals, the mentioned microorganisms and parasites are present in the environment and food of animal origin, being the source of human infections and diseases. Therefore veterinary food inspection is likewise of high priority for human health. As examples of zoonotic infections, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli were chosen. Statistical data illustrating the importance for human health in the USA and Europe in 2004 and 2005 of zoonoses caused by the mentioned bacteria are presented. The growing urgency of this problem was the motivation for the inclusion of food safety into the terms of reference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) besides the prophylaxis and control of the OIE listed infectious diseases of animals. According to this new field of activity, correspondent publications appearing in the Scientific and Technical Review, edited by the OIE, were published. Additionally, in 2002, the Permanent Working Group in Animal Production Food Safety was organized by the OIE. In veterinary scientific and research institutions, work based on the achievements of molecular biology and genetic engineering concerning diagnostic methods was intensified, enabling better surveillance and monitoring of the hazards for human health connected with animals. Guidelines to restrict the use of antibiotics in animal production were prepared and published. The role of the vaccination of animals being carriers of zoonotic microorganisms was evaluated, and where advisable they were advised to be applied to minimize the reservoir of zoonotic microorganisms in animal populations and consequently in food of animal origin.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.