(The following is the English translation of an interview with Dr. Kamran Malekpour, published on September 20, 2003.)
An Interview with Dr. Kamran Malekpour, Secretary of the First Companion Animal Veterinary Congress
(Interview by Arash Farhoodi)
The first Companion Animal Veterinary Congress will be held with the participation of professors, researchers, and veterinary students, along with professionals from other related medical fields, over two days from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, September 21st, at the Razi International Conference Center of Iran University of Medical Sciences. This scientific congress, the first gathering of experts and researchers in the field of companion animals and zoonotic diseases (diseases shared between humans and animals), aims to familiarize specialists with the latest scientific research and introduce the most recent advancements in the field.
Various institutions such as the National Veterinary Organization, the Iranian Veterinary Society, the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, multiple NGOs, and veterinary universities across the country have participated in organizing this congress. Over the two days, numerous papers will be presented by professors from within and outside Iran. These articles, selected from over 160 submissions to the congress secretariat, cover a diverse range of topics related to this field. For the first time in Iran, the submission of articles that did not respect animal rights during their research and experiments was prevented. Another notable feature is the introduction of online registration for applicants, keeping pace with modern global advancements. To provide more insight into the issues related to this congress, we conducted an interview with Dr. Kamran Malekpour, the secretary of the first Companion Animal Veterinary Congress.
The title of this congress is the “First Companion Animal Veterinary Congress.” From what perspective is it important, and what is the relationship between individual and community health and domestic animals?
The most significant issue that led to the formation of this congress was the profound need to introduce and identify zoonotic diseases shared between humans and animals. The existence of over 150 diseases in this group and the lack of sufficient attention to their transmission routes is a matter that causes extensive financial damage and imposes significant problems on society each year. Sometimes, even without direct contact with an animal, these diseases can be transmitted through contact with animal products like meat and milk. There are many examples in this field; Congo fever, which has been seen in our country for years, toxoplasmosis, hydatid cysts, and especially diseases transmitted from animals like dogs and cats, are cases that severely threaten public health. Unfortunately, the limited awareness of individuals who, for whatever reason, interact with these animals has led to us witnessing a wide spread of infectious and parasitic diseases in the country. These issues on one hand, and the extensive research by veterinary and medical specialists in our country on the other, as well as the necessity of conveying the results of this research to other segments of society, motivated the organizers to use this opportunity to achieve these goals.
Zoonotic diseases can even be transmitted through contact with contaminated meat or consumption of contaminated milk.
Contrary to the belief of most people who consider issues related to domestic and companion animals to be a recreational matter, today these animals are widely used in various fields, mainly to facilitate precise and complex tasks. Has the congress addressed such cases, and what specific examples can you mention in this regard?
Among the important issues that have been addressed in this congress are the innovations in the use of companion animals. These are cases that affect felines, canines, and humans. The use of animals in diagnostics and other areas has been mentioned in the congress. The first examples I can point to are the use of these animals, particularly dogs, in neutralizing explosives and detecting narcotics and explosive materials. Among the articles presented at the congress are papers dedicated to the role of these animals in neutralizing explosives. Another case that was well-received by the congress organizers was the presentation of an article on the use of trained dolphins in detecting naval mines in recent wars. Another noteworthy issue is the use of these animals for the initial testing of the effects of herbal and other medicines, which is, in fact, a preliminary step to using these drugs in humans.
What impact will holding such congresses have on improving public health?
We hope this first congress will be a foundation for the growth and flourishing of public health. The reception we received from the submission of articles and the attendance of professors and specialists from across the country indicates a correct understanding of the importance of zoonotic diseases by the educated community of our country. Certainly, such a reception will encourage the organizing bodies to continue on this path.
