Course summary

Building on a solid foundation of biological, immunological, pathological and epidemiological principles, you will develop the skills and expertise needed to identify, control and manage animal diseases. Livestock is vital to the lives of millions of people, however, endemic and epidemic diseases that affect livestock limit productivity and exacerbate poverty. Infections that can be transmitted between domestic animals and people also threaten the health of livestock keepers, their families and their communities. In many developing regions farmers and animal health workers are often ill-equipped to deal with this risk. This programme will equip you will the skills and knowledge needed to develop strategies to tackle the international animal health challenges of the 21st Century. Students join our programme from all over the world with a huge range of geographical, cultural and professional expertise. Through class discussions you will have the opportunity to network and learn about the challenges students are facing in different countries and explore the policies and strategies that are being developed globally. What will you study? Postgraduate Certificate (Part-time 1 year; Intermittent study 2 years) You will develop your understanding of how infections spread in animals using examples from the field of international animal health. You will develop an understanding of how disease occurrences are measured and monitored and enhance your skills in field survey design and implementation. You will explore how micro and macro parasites are transmitted between hosts, how they evolve and survive between infections, and understand different immune responses to pathogens and infection. During the certificate stage you will study three core courses:

• Applied Veterinary Epidemiology

• Pathogen Strategies for Transmission and Survival

• Host Responses to Infection

• Zoonotic disease

• Surveillance and control of transboundary diseases affecting international trade

• An introduction to transboundary diseases and their impact on trade and wildlife populations