The veterinary profession in the united Germany

The different political systems in the two previous German states had decis ive influences on the development of the veterinary profession. The organis ation, objectives and results of veterinary activities have also been influ enced by the prevalent social system. Structures and ownership in the agric ultural industry changed together with the political change in 1989. These changes require reorganisation of veterinary activities, especially in East Germany. The current situation, its deficiencies and the potential for imp rovements in the different veterinary activities, such as animal welfare, d isease control, animal disease notification, education and veterinary epide miology, are described and discussed.