Veterinarians wanting to dive into the latest knowledge about zoonotic diseases can participate in a new online course called Zoonoses: Protecting People and Their Pets, which begins Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 10.

The course, offered by the Center for Food Security and Public Health at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, focuses on the origin, detection, and prevention of key zoonotic diseases, according to the institution. It was designed to encourage the exchange of knowledge between health care professionals or students in the veterinary, medical, and public health sectors.

According to organizers, the course consists of seven online lessons discussing various aspects of companion animal zoonoses and disease prevention recommendations. Each lesson lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a corresponding study guide and quiz. Course topics include:

• Companion Animal Zoonotic Diseases: An Overview
• The Human-Animal Bond
• Animal Bites, Scratches and Disease Transmission
• Companion Animal Zoonoses and Immunocompromised Individuals
• Companion Animal Zoonoses and Children
• Environmental Zoonoses: Shared Environments, Shared Risks
• Principles of Treatment and Prevention for Zoonotic Diseases

The fee for the course is $90 and includes a book worth $70, according to the Center for Food Security and Public Health.

Visit the Center for Food Security and Public Health website for more information and to register.