Abstract
The new scientific discipline of conservation medicine is rapidly gaining acceptance as a framework that encompasses the complexity of disease ecology and its application to wildlife species conservation. As such, there is a burgeoning body of literature and resources available and, although it is outside the scope of this chapter to provide a comprehensive review, we have included references to some key resources for those who wish to pursue the topic in greater detail. Additional complementary information may be found in Chapters 1 and 21 Chapter 1 Chapter 21. As indicated by Deem,8 we believe that zoo veterinarians have unique skills and expertise to offer conservation medicine programs in their local communities as well as nationally and internationally. Our aim in this chapter is to inform and encourage zoo veterinarians throughout the world to become actively engaged in conservation medicine projects.