Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health: a case study of a study-abroad course with One Health principles integrated into Veterinary Medical Training

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: One Health is “the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals and the environment”. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that medical, veterinary and public health students be informed and engaged in principles of One Health as part of their education and professional training.
Methods: to better integrate One Health into the veterinary medical science curriculum, Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, jointly developed an interdisciplinary six-credit summer elective course, Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health, offered in Uganda.
Results: using One Health approach, this course covers tropical animal health and production systems, disease surveillance, zoonotic diseases, public health and food safety systems, livestock-human-wildlife interface challenges, and exposure to Uganda/ East Africa culture. The course provides 1) a foundation for tomorrow´s global citizens to understand, appreciate and experience tropical animal production, food safety and public health from a global perspective, 2) global career development opportunities, fostering an international perspective and ability to work and understand diverse animal production, food safety and public health systems, and 3) diverse cultures.
Conclusion: this paper summarizes experiential learning opportunities offered in Tropical Veterinary Medicine and One Health including sample itineraries and One Health service learning activities completed by students from higher education institutions in the United States and East and Central Africa under the project: “Capacity building in Integrated Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ)”.