If you have a knack in performing lab tests, biology-related experiments, and endure job work patiently, you can easily work your way to be a successful veterinary pathologist. Successful professionals like this who love animals immensely, discover some pioneering vaccines for animals.
Veterinary Pathology: A Satisfying Job for those Interested in Research and Development of Animals
Animals have always been an integral part in our lives. We not only depend on the livestock but also on wild animals in the zoos and reserve forests. They are a part of the eco-cycle, without which we cannot survive. In many ways they entertain us, help us in maintaining our food chain, and also give us opportunities to promote our lifestyle.
However, it is also common that we suffer from animal borne diseases. Often, germs thriving in the animals enter our body when we have animal products, such as cheese, milk, curd, or meat. We need experts to help us solve this problem.
Need for Veterinary Pathologist
To help us lead a healthy lifestyle, we must find out ways to curb animal diseases and animal-borne diseases. Livestock gets affected through zoonotic diseases, which in turn affect humans. A veterinary pathologist helps to find out vaccines to cure diseases or help in prophylactic purposes. In the agricultural sector, these animal care activists help to find out various ways to tackle pests – often, without the use of pesticides.
The vet experts are also required in educational activities so that they can spread the right knowledge to the people on animal care. In the corporate sector, the veterinary pathologists are also hired by livestock companies and many firms in the animal industry.
Education and Training
Apart from being a vet, the specialist job requires candidates to work full-time under supervision of a mentor at a well-equipped lab. To be a qualified veterinary pathologist, you must first be a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists under the Pathobiology section.
The other steps include:
- At least 2-years of training at a lab
- Successful qualification for veterinary pathology tertiary course
- An advanced level qualification, such as Fellowship of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (FACVSc)
One can opt for anatomical pathology or clinical pathology. It is important that you have a practical workshop along with your studies. It is also essential to conduct lab tests, get information from people working in clinics, and keep records in order.
Job Profile of Vet Pathologist
Some common tasks that a veterinary pathologist must perform are:
- Analyse clinical data, immunology, and histopathology
- Construct lab protocols
- Develop technologies in animal pathology and invent vaccines
A Rewarding Career
Although it may take about 10 years or so to become a successful specialist in this area, you are bound to get a rewarding career if you work persistently in this subject. Jobs are abundant in the industry. Many graduate to become experts in virology, cytology, haematology, and similar pathological related subjects.
You may have to deal with surgery and dissection of animals and conduct intricate tests during a project in this field. But, such hard work helps you invent solutions to protect domestic animals against animal pathogens. It also helps to fight zoonotic problems and save communities which depend on livestock for their survival.
All in all, this occupation will be the right one for you if you want to invent vaccines that help to break the transmission pathway of diseases.