Legal implications of zoonotic disease transmission for veterinary practices.

Increased recognition of veterinarians' capabilities and their role in public health raises concerns as to their legal duty to both clients and the public. With the numerous potential situations and variety of clients, the veterinarians' role in public health issues associated with zoonotic agents seems vague. However, analysis of the legal duty provides a more precise road map to the responsibilities and actions needed in companion animal medicine. The authors discuss mitigation measures to apply to potential situations regarding the ethical and legal requirements of zoonotic diseases and the legal repercussions of failing to act.