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Human-Animal Medicine:Clinical Approaches to Zoonoses,Toxicants, and Other Shared Health Risks by Peter M. Rabinowitz and Lisa A. Conti was published this year by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Both Dr. Rabinowitz and Dr. Conti work in the field of human-animal medicine: Rabinowitz as a physician and Conti as a veterinarian. Additional contributors from across the spectrum of human, animal, environmental, and public health medicine have added their expertise in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and managing shared diseases and health hazards.
“Chapter One: The Convergence of Human and Animal Medicine” outlines the history and importance of a relatively new concept, “One Medicine.” This idea was proposed by Dr. Schwabe, a parasitologist and veterinary epidemiologist in the 1960’s. He envisioned a collaborative effort between human doctors, veterinarians, and public health workers to better deal with zoonotic diseases. More recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) partnered together to create the “One Health Initiative” which provides the groundwork for veterinarians, physicians, other medical professionals, and environmental scientists to more easily share information in efforts to prevent and control health issues associated with humans, animals, and their surroundings.
“Chapter Nine: Zoonoses” highlights the most common zoonotic diseases in detail with treatment options for both man and animal, ways to avoid contagion, and limit environmental exposure. Each zoonotic disease is given a section most easily located by the table of contents. The particular disease section highlights key points for public health professionals, human health clinicians, and veterinarians to consider when collaborating with One Health team members. After a brief discussion of the zoonotic disease, notable features such as mode of transmission, hosts and reservoirs, risk factors for disease in both humans and animals, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed. Tables of drug dosages and comparative clinical presentations are included as well as excellent life cycle charts and reference material. Black and white photos are also included with every chapter which depict clinical signs, offending organisms, and other notable features. Centrally located is a color photo gallery highlighting the severity of many of the conditions, some of which are quite disturbing.
This text, Human-Animal Medicine: Clinical Approaches to Zoonoses, Toxicants, and Other Shared Health Risks, is an excellent reference point for personnel working in the combined fields of human, animal, or public health. The authors have illustrated clearly how animal and human health are often inter-related, one cannot be considered without the other. Environmental influences, occupational hazards, and toxins must also be considered in the wellbeing of humans and animals. Strategies for improving human and animal health and promoting communications amongst allied health groups is emphasized. This text is an excellent tool for physicians, veterinarians, and other health care professionals because it provides essential information in a succinct format, utilizing tables and charts for clarity. The organization of the text allows for easy navigation to the topic of interest and notes key points which health professionals must consider in order to coordinate efforts under the One Health concept.
Sandra L. Jex is a veterinarian and consultant.