The threat of a zoonotic outbreak is considered by many to be a product of Hollywood. In reality, zoonotic diseases are important to us all. Over the past 25 years, 38 new pathogens have been identified, and 75% of these originated as animal diseases. Avian influenza and mad cow disease (BSE) grab headlines, and concerns related to Escherichia coli and salmonellosis have never been higher. Veterinarians play a vital role in maintaining the public health and the safety of the food supply. The College of Veterinary Medicine has expanded this role by helping to initiate a Masters of Public Health Program on the MU campus.

Starting in the fall of 2007, MU students will be able to pursue a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. The MPH program allows students to focus on one the three following domains: Health Policy and Administration, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, or Veterinary Public Health.

The Veterinary Public Health emphasis area will be of particular importance to veterinarians and other professionals engaged in livestock health and production. Graduates with the MPH or the MPH in combination with a traditional veterinary degree will be uniquely suited to manage the interface of animal and human health.

Career prospects for veterinarians with a Masters of Public Health degree are particularly bright. The skills in epidemiology, population health management and zoonotic disease will prepare veterinarians for government service careers related to the control of diseases transmitted from animals to people, research careers requiring knowledge and experience related to experimental design and data analysis and livestock production medicine.

Dr. Kristofer Hagglund, Interim Director of the Program states “The Masters of Public Health (MPH) is the standard professional degree recognized throughout the world for public health practice. Our students will be well-qualified to tackle some of the most important challenges facing Missouri in the coming years.”

For more information about the MPH program, please contact Lise Saffran at SaffranL@health.missouri.edu or visit their web page here.

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