Rabies, leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are among the zoonotic diseases to be addressed in a new online course hosted by the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. "Zoonoses: Protecting People and Their Pets” will examine the human-animal bond and cover companion animal zoonotic diseases and their prevention and treatment. "Companion animals play an important role in people’s lives,” said course instructor Glenda Dvorak, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM. "Partnerships between human, veterinary and public health professionals are needed to raise awareness, enhance detection and promote prevention of zoonotic diseases to protect the health of people and pets.” The topic areas include "Animal Bites, Scratches and Disease Transmission,” "Companion Animal Zoonoses and Children” and "Environmental Zoonoses: Shared Environments, Shared Risks.” The seven hours of lessons may be completed from Oct. 7 to Nov. 3. Participants may study at their own pace in pursuit of a certificate of completion. Anyone who registers before Oct. 3 will pay $50, which includes a textbook. The course is subsidized through a grant from the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at Kansas State University. More information is available at zoonoses.info. <HOME>
