Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS)

Veterinary surveillance is an essential component for the protection of animal health, as well as the protection of public health and food systems, through the detection, response and eradication of animal diseases.

In this course, you'll develop the skills necessary for effective disease surveillance and implementation of disease control strategies. You'll gain training on the diagnosis, detection and control of endemic as well as new, emerging and re-emerging diseases.

You'll learn the skills required to manage the challenges and complexity of the issues faced in disease control, prevention or eradication programmes, including the economic analysis of a program.

You'll also develop specific research skills by completing a research project in the field of veterinary epidemiology or public health.

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you'll cover include:

• application of epidemiological principles to surveillance and disease control in animals
• design and implementation of disease control strategies
• diagnosis, detection and control of new and re-emerging diseases
• design, conduct and analyse epidemiological studies, risk analyses and economic analyses
• emerging endemic and epidemic infectious diseases and their impacts.

This degree will enhance employment opportunities for veterinarians working in Australia and overseas by allowing specialisation in the latest methods to develop and evaluate disease control programs in production animals. You will be part of the strong network between private veterinary practitioners, livestock producers and government agencies involved in animal health surveillance. Graduates from the Veterinary Surveillance program hold senior positions in government departments in countries around the world, as well as research centres, and pharmaceutical companies. Other students have continued their studies and completed PhDs at Murdoch. There is growing demand for veterinarians with specialist training in surveillance and epidemiology within consultancy companies and international organisations.

Careers could include:

• Technical, research or advisory roles within organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN (FAO)
• Senior role at state or national department or agency such as the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
• Animal Health Policy Advisor or Decision-maker
• District Veterinary Officer.