The course will provide students the opportunity to gain insight into the peculiar and unique aspects of animal health and production in the tropics and involves the study of several important tropical infectious and parasitic diseases in order to give students insights in epidemiology, mode of transmission, pathogenesis, diagnostics and therapeutics. Special attention will go to control and preventive strategies (vaccine development, early warning systems, etc.). The role of vectors in transmission of some of the major tropical animal diseases is another focal point.

The course will not only give students insights into the major tropical infectious diseases, but also includes typical management aspects of livestock husbandry systems in the tropics, the livestock-wildlife interface and transboundary disease management.

The major international organizations regarding animal health in developing countries and the contributing role of veterinarians in those organizations will be part of the course. The one health approach will be used, integrating veterinary medicine, human medicine and environmental science with special emphasis on the tropical human/livestock/wildlife interface.

The course aims to create a clear perspective of the developing world, which is necessary to place tropical animal health into a broader context. As a result, introductory lectures on economical and environmental issues with emphasis on the developing world will also be part of the course.