The Growing Field of Veterinary Forensics: Who is Teaching it, Where is it Headed, and Why Should You Care

Abstract

Given the rapid expansion of forensic sciences there are likely several nascent areas that are off your radar, and maybe that includes veterinary forensics.  While those working in law and medicine may see the applied science of forensics as “relatively new and still lacking uniform regulation or guidance” (1), there is a clear argument to be made that ‘veterinary forensics’ is truly in its infancy. The field, loosely defined, relates to the forensic examination of animals, live or dead, but, as with human medicolegal investigations, it overlaps with many applied sciences. The following briefly touches on current veterinary forensic education and training and highlights the need for attention and support from organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.