Online course teaches veterinary students more about foreign animal diseases -

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An Internet-based course to make veterinary students more aware of foreign animal diseases is now available for use by all U.S. veterinary colleges. The course, "Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals," covers information on major foreign animal diseases that threaten U.S. livestock and companion animal health.Veterinary Information Network

The Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service funded development of the course. Faculty at Iowa State University, University of California-Davis, and the University of Georgia collaborated with veterinarians at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on the project. Dr. Ron DeHaven, deputy administrator of APHIS Veterinary Services, is encouraging veterinary colleges to adopt the course.

The course is meant to help ensure that graduating veterinarians have the basic knowledge needed to recognize possible foreign animal diseases and respond appropriately. Course components can be viewed at www.vetmed.iastate.edu/services/institutes/iicab/fad/main.htm.

The creators are exploring options for offering the course to veterinary practitioners.