The present and future veterinary practitioners in the tropics.

Abstract

The tropical countries' inability to maintain veterinary services in the realm of the state as well as the improved quality of privately provided animal health services are leading to a change in the role, and type, of veterinarians in most of the tropics. Although control of epizootics diseases will continue to be important, further attention has to be given to the equally important nutritional deficiencies and management related diseases. These changes will have implications for the position of veterinarians as well as for animal health related research and training. The present overproduction of veterinarians in some tropical and subtropical countries can not be absorbed in private practice, especially in view of the continuing role of animal health technicians and lay personnel in disease control.