The University of Guelph has a strong tradition of excellence in research and education related to public health at the human-animal-environmental interface. Additionally, the university is located in close proximity to, and has close collaborative relations with numerous animal health and public health agencies and organizations. In recognition of these unique strengths, the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses (CPHAZ) was established in 2006, with the first director, Dr. Jan Sargeant, starting in June 2007.
CPHAZ Mandate
There is an urgent need for public health research at the human-animal-environmental interface, and for interdisciplinary research approaches spanning from basic laboratory sciences to applied field studies, and from animals to humans.
The CPHAZ mandate is to provide focus and leadership for research, education, and knowledge dissemination in public health at the human-animal-environment interface. Collaborations of our OVC members with external collaborators and partners is a key function of the operation of CPHAZ.
CPHAZ Goals
Research
CPHAZ will communicate awareness of existing public health initiatives within OVC to public health communities and other interested persons.
CPHAZ will lead new public health research within OVC, with researchers from University of Guelph, other universities, and animal and human public health organizations.
CPHAZ will integrate across disciplines to solve complex problems and implement solutions related to public health at the human/animal/environmental interface.
Vision
Through our engagement in research, education, and knowledge dissemination, members of CPHAZ will identify and solve problems and implement solutions in public health at the human-animal-environmental interface, contribute to rapid response to new and emerging zoonotic diseases, and highlight the societal relevance of veterinary medicine in public health. CPHAZ will create and support productive and effective working relationships between researchers in diverse fields, advance education related to zoonoses and public health and will forge new relationships with human public health activities.
Education
Through our engagement in research, education, and knowledge dissemination, members of CPHAZ will identify and solve problems and implement solutions in public health at the human-animal-environmental interface, contribute to rapid response to new and emerging zoonotic diseases, and highlight the societal relevance of veterinary medicine in public health. CPHAZ will create and support productive and effective working relationships between researchers in diverse fields, advance education related to zoonoses and public health and will forge new relationships with human public health activities.
Knowledge Dissemination
CPHAZ will provide relevant and user-targeted research results and information on animal-related public health issues to a broad audience of public health stakeholders.
CPHAZ will host seminars by internal and outside speakers on cross-cutting topic areas.
CPHAZ will engage veterinary and public health communities through conference presentations and symposiums.
CPHAZ will make major contributions to the implementation of sound policy based on the insights and scientific discoveries made by CPHAZ scientists.