FOOD ANIMAL VETERINARIANS: THE PAST, PRESENT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE FUTURE

摘要

Prior to the establishment of the first US College of Veterinary Medicine in the late 1800's, formal training in veterinary science occurred primarily in Europe. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many professed animal doctors were better described as cow leeches, farriers and gelders, often with empirical and destructive remedies. As recently as 1900, less than 10% of those claiming to be a veterinarian actually received any formal training, leaving a predictable effect on the profession's early reputation. By the dawn of the 20th century, the practice of veterinary medicine was concerned primarily with agricultural, transportation and draft animals. Most veterinary texts were devoted to the study of species directly affecting human necessities for food, fiber, labor and transportation. Less interest existed in the veterinary curricula regarding companion animals. In 1916, an editorial in Veterinary Medicine regarding the study of canine pathology indicated, "A lack of interest on the part of students,...", and that, "The average veterinary student.. .does not look upon canine practice as being worthwhile, and is not at present an enthusiastic supporter of this part of the veterinary college curriculum. With the advance of mechanized technology andthe internal combustion engine, the utility and value or draft animals began to diminish. Many veterinarians opted to leave the profession based on the bleak economic outlook. Soon however, the value of horses and cattle rebounded in parallel with an increased market for beef and other domestic livestock products. Once again, the growth of animal agriculture helped secure a future for veterinary care.