Abstract

Vets often think that if they work overseas in the developing world that they will be driving around treating sick animals belonging to noble savages who will be eternally grateful. The truth is far from this. Increasingly, the work relates to mitigation of humanitarian crises and assistance to veterinary services to adopt advanced and novel techniques for the control of major diseases. Basic veterinary skills are essential but generally  it is necessary to bring to the work an advanced understanding of disciplines such as epidemiology, surveillance, diagnostics and population medicine,  and combine these with experience of actual conditions on the ground. There is much expertise in the veterinary services of developing countries; what is needed is advanced skills, sound advice and training. I will describe the organisation of the very diverse animal health scene for expatriates in the developing world and illustrate it by giving examples of some of my experiences during an overseas career spanning more than 40 years – and continuing. I hope to balance the joy, excitement and euphoria that success can bring with a realistic understanding of the frustrations and risks.