FAO launches virtual training in Russian to boost field veterinarians’ response to zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases – infections transmitted from animals to humans – remain a serious threat to global health, livelihoods and food systems. In an era of climate change, antimicrobial resistance and increasing interaction between humans, livestock and wildlife, the risk of zoonoses is greater than ever.

To strengthen regional preparedness and promote early detection, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a Russian-language version of its online course Zoonoses for Field Veterinarians. The course is designed to equip frontline veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to monitor, notify and respond to zoonotic threats in line with the One Health approach.

Developed in collaboration with the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the course has trained over 300 veterinarians from 14 countries in Europe and Central Asia, reflecting strong regional demand for capacity building in this area. Participants are enrolled through two main channels: official nominations from national veterinary services and self-registration by national institutions engaged in animal health, including universities and research institutions, producers and veterinary associations, and non-governmental organizations working in rural development. 

The four-week virtual course ran from 30 September to 31 October. It comprised eight interactive modules, six of which were based on real-life case studies covering anthrax, avian influenza, brucellosis, echinococcosis, rabies and tuberculosis. After completing approximately 12 hours of coursework, participants were required to pass an assessment to obtain a certificate of completion. The course is accredited by Veterinary Continuing Education in Europe (VetCEE), a European body that upholds high standards in continuing veterinary education. This accreditation enables participants to earn credits towards their continuing professional development.

By integrating human, animal and environmental health perspectives – in line with the One Health approach –, the training strengthens participants' ability to identify priority zoonoses, report notifiable diseases in a timely manner, and apply risk-reduction measures aiming to protect both public and animal health.

The online discussion forums further enrich the learning experience and foster collaboration by allowing participants to engage directly with tutors and share practical experiences.

The course has also garnered interest from academia, as universities seek to update teaching materials and align them with international best practices.

By mid-next year, the course is expected to be adapted and made available in both English and Russian as an open-access resource, allowing participants to progress at their own pace and further extending its reach across the region and beyond.

About the Virtual Learning Centers 

This course was developed and delivered through the FAO Virtual Learning Centers (VLCs) platform, which facilitates regional access to high-quality, inclusive and flexible training solutions. With their online tutored and open-access courses, blended learning and mobile training, VLCs help bridge knowledge gaps and support countries in tackling priority health and development challenges. A wide range of courses related to animal health and One Health are on offer, often available as open access. Learn more about past, ongoing and upcoming training through our newsletter.