South East Zoonosis Committee

The wholetime veterinary inspector provides the local authority with a vital link with both public health colleagues in the HSE and  veterinary public health colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food through membership of the South East Zoonosis Committee. A zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans e.g. Brucellosis, Weil's disease, E.coli 0157, Toxoplasma infection, Salmonella infection etc. The South East Zoonosis committee meets 4 times a year at different venues in the region to discuss these diseases and how to prevent them. The committee organises educational seminars for a variety of professionals working in the public health area on an ongoing basis. The committee also attends at agricultural shows in the region every summer to interact with members of the public.

 

The committee has published several leaflets which aim to raise public awareness of common zoonoses.

      

Staying Healthy on Your Farm

In January 2004, a 50 page booklet was produced by the committee entitled Staying Healthy on Your Farm'. This is an advice pack primarily aimed at the farming community. The booklet is well laid-out and is written in easy to understand language. Copies are available from  Co.Council offices in Dungarvan and Tramore and the District Veterinary Office in The Glen, Waterford city.