Veterinary public health activities in the Pan American Health Organization over the past 58 years: 1949-2007.

: The veterinary public health activities of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) over the past 58 years have been devoted to the strategic orientation and development of priorities for the health sector with three main strategic areas, as follows: surveillance, prevention and control of zoonoses, prevention of foodborne diseases and promotion of animal health to boost production and productivity and, consequently, food security and socio-economic development. For PAHO, the link between health and agriculture is undeniable and their integration essential.