A veterinarian, abbreviated "vet," is an animal disease and injury specialist who specializes in the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of such conditions. Veterinarians possess the necessary expertise to administer medical treatment to an extensive array of fauna and plant life, in addition to domestic animals (including birds, horses, and canines), livestock (including pigs, cows, and horses), and exotic creatures.

A veterinarian may be entrusted with the following duties: conducting physical examinations, diagnostic tests, vaccination administration, medication prescription, surgical procedures, and the provision of nutritional and preventive care recommendations. Veterinarians fulfill an essential function in ensuring the overall health and welfare of animals, in addition to attending to public health issues pertaining to zoonotic diseases, which are those that are capable of transmission from animals to humans.

While some veterinarians treat companion animals and pets in private practice, others may specialize in pathology, public health, research, large animal medicine, or wildlife conservation. Veterinary professionals may also be employed in academia, government agencies, or the private sector, where they contribute to diverse facets of animal welfare and health.

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