Veterinary microbiology

Abstract

Veterinary microbiology has a proud history in Australia dating back to the late 19^th Century with the work of the Pasteur Institute of Sydney and McGarvie Smith on anthrax in NSW, Kendall in Victoria carrying out TB testing of cattle, Pound and his work on tick fever in Qld. In subsequent decades luminaries such as Albiston, Bull, Bennetts, Oxer, Sneddon, Turner and Carne carried out significant investigations into livestock diseases. Many others followed them. Where is veterinary microbiology heading in 2013 and beyond? In this issue Rob Rahaley describes the changing face of veterinary laboratories and notes the need for greater cooperation between government laboratories (declining in number) and private laboratories and veterinary school (both increasing in number). Veterinary microbiology has a much reduced profile in private laboratories compared with the government laboratories. Apart from providing diagnostic services microbiologists in government laboratories were responsible for much of the infectious livestock disease research carried out in Australia. CSIRO has also played a significant role. Although some work is done in veterinary schools and the surviving government laboratories it seems that research in endemic diseases is under threat. Fortunately, despite a shortage of dedicated funding, veterinary school researchers continue to contribute to investigations into companion animal infections.