Vets, farming and food
Livestock veterinarians are a vital aspect in the successful and proper rearing of farm animals, such as sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and poultry. To a large extent, the care they provide is preventive, using periodic testing for herd health control and vaccination against diseases that, if left unchecked, could significantly affect both animal health and food production. Veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring a controlled use of veterinary medicines. They keep records each time a food-producing animal is treated with a medicine. Furthermore, they follow strict rules and processes before the animal or its produce enters the food chain, in order to ensure it is fit to be consumed.
With global population expanding at its current rate, the work these veterinarians perform is crucial in ensuring a safe global food supply and promoting food security – access for all to food. Trained veterinary professionals, such as those in Public Service and Food Inspection, work to ensure that food from animals is safe to ship and eat. Through veterinary inspections and controls prior and after slaughtering, meat safety is continuously checked. At all phases of the production and distribution of food from animal origin veterinarians are involved in preserving its hygiene and safety.
