The nuclear threat and veterinarians' responsibilities

Authors: Mackintosh CG, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 35, Issue 1-2, pp 14, Jan 1987
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: General
Subject Terms: Veterinary profession
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: “The threat of nuclear war is the most overwhelming menace that mankind has ever faced.” This is the opinion of the Royal Society of New Zealand. We are disappointed that R.H. Montgomery has tried to reduce such an important issue to the level of petty party politics. This is an issue that transcends artificial divisions of “left” or “right”. It concerns the survival of the entire world ecosystem of which we are only a small part. A nuclear conflagration would not only affect man`s civilisation and survival but would also cause untold death, injury, starvation and disease to virtually all animal species. We, as veterinarians, have a special responsibility to try to prevent such extreme suffering. We should join with other professional bodies such as International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), Scientists Against Nuclear Arms (SANA) and now the International Veterinary Acade my on Disaster Medicine, to explain the consequences of nuclear war to governments and people of the world. We must convince all the major powers that nuclear war is unwinnable and that the present escalation in nuclear stockpiles is increasing the danger of a nuclear exchange, whether it is started by accident, sabotage or design…

---