Lecture 11: State Public Health Veterinarian

What is the primary function of a State Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV)?

A State Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) addresses zoonotic public health issues, including zoonosis, vector-borne diseases, antibiotic resistance, food & water safety, and rabies.

What are some of the specific diseases and concerns an SPHV works with?

SPHVs work with zoonotic diseases, vector-borne diseases, antibiotic resistance, food & water safety, and rabies.

How many SPHVs are there in most states?

Most states have only one SPHV, although some states may have several or none at all.

What is the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV)?

NASPHV is an organization that allows SPHVs to communicate, share problems and ideas, and collaborate on creating Compendiums and Guidance Documents related to public health veterinary issues.

What are some of the key Compendiums and Guidance Documents created by NASPHV?

Key documents include:

- Animal Rabies Prevention & Control (Form 51 Rabies Certificate)

- Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings

- Measures to Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans and Pet Birds

- Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel

- Novel Influenza Resource Guide

What are some of the SPHV's responsibilities?

SPHVs are responsible for managing zoonotic diseases, coordinating with public health and veterinary agencies, ensuring food safety, controlling rabies, and addressing public health concerns related to animals.

How does an SPHV collaborate with other agencies?

SPHVs collaborate with public health authorities, veterinary agencies, and other relevant organizations to address zoonotic diseases, food safety issues, and control of animal-related diseases, ensuring public health protection.

What are some examples of scenarios an SPHV might encounter?

Scenarios include managing rabies outbreaks, responding to animal-related diseases in public settings, controlling vector-borne diseases, addressing antibiotic resistance concerns, and overseeing zoonotic disease prevention.