Virtual training for veterinarians aids in the reporting and prevention of zoonoses

Veterinarians are often the first to detect, prevent and respond to zoonoses, or diseases transmitted between humans and animals. As the world becomes more connected and interactions increase between humans and animals, the risk of zoonotic outbreaks is greater than ever.

To address this, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched the Zoonoses for Field Veterinarians course in English on the FAO Virtual Learning Center platform.

About the course

The main purpose of the course is to increase awareness of high-priority zoonoses to facilitate early reporting of suspected notifiable zoonotic diseases and reduce the risk of human infection.

FAO developed the four-week course in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Thus far, approximately 400 veterinarians from 43 countries in Europe and Central Asia have participated in the course, from both veterinary authorities and other relevant institutions. The strong interest highlights the importance of zoonotic diseases.

Delivered entirely online, the course consists of eight modules, with six focusing on practical case studies. It generally takes around 14 hours to complete. To support professional development, the Zoonoses for Field Veterinarians course is accredited by VetCEE, a European organization that sets standards for continuing veterinary education.

A related discussion forum, in which participants can ask questions of course tutors, plays a key role in building connections, facilitating the sharing of practical cases and enhancing collaboration. 

“The course provided a wealth of fascinating insights into the impact of zoonoses,” one participant stated. “In my view, it’s crucial to focus on fostering collaboration between various institutions. We must be able to share information effectively and respond collectively in the event of a dangerous zoonotic outbreak.”

Training is critical in improving early detection and response to zoonotic diseases, helping reduce the risk of human transmission and protecting public health. To this end, an adapted version of the course for Russian-speaking countries is planned for the second half of 2025.