How does animal science contribute to food safety?

Animal science significantly contributes to food safety through research focused on animal health and disease prevention. When animals are healthy, they are less likely to harbor pathogens that can be transmitted through meat, dairy, or other animal products to humans. By studying the epidemiology of animal diseases, scientists can develop best practices for farming, handling, and processing animals, which ultimately leads to safer food supply chains.

This research also includes vaccinations, biosecurity measures, and the implementation of management practices that minimize the risk of disease outbreaks in livestock. Ensuring the health of animals not only protects the welfare of the animals themselves but also safeguards public health by reducing the likelihood of zoonotic diseases—those that can be transferred from animals to humans.

While developing new cooking methods might enhance culinary experiences, it does not directly address the prevention of foodborne illness at the source. Similarly, promoting vegetarian diets may offer other health benefits but does not directly involve animal science as it pertains to food safety in animal-derived products. Curing animal diseases in the wild, while beneficial for biodiversity and wildlife health, does not have a direct impact on food safety in the context of domesticated food animals. Thus, the role of animal science in researching health and disease prevention is paramount to ensuring food safety in our