ABSTRACT
Diseases caused, or exacerbated, by climate change are extensive and complex. Animal health professionals rely heavily on the disciplines of pathology and epidemiology to classify and study these conditions in individuals and populations. Information gleaned from this work is central to the development and prioritization of adaptation efforts to protect animal health. The investigation of climate associated animal disease is complicated by the fact that these diseases transcend conventional classification systems and are moderated heavily by the natural and anthropogenic environments in which the animals reside. Systems used for the categorization of human disease related to climate change, most notably the seven exposure pathways (extreme weather, vector borne diseases, temperature, air quality, safe and nutritious food, water quality, and mental health) are also an effective framework to study animal impacts, although some challenges remain. Most notably, owing to unique habitats and dependency on natural environments, climate change is causing diseases in wild animals that do not have a human corollary such as those associated with changes in water quality for aquatic animals. To meet the growing demand for animal health information, support is needed to both better investigate climate associated disease in animals and share the information with policy makers and the public.
