I congratulate the editors of this book on proposing the theme of ‘Dogs, Zoonoses and Public Health'. It is a topical theme embracing sometimes emotive issues that have long needed to be brought together in such a volume, and the book contains a wealth of useful information. As such, this book will provide an excellent reference source for undergraduates in veterinary medicine and public health as well as a useful research resource. All aspects are covered in the 12 chapters comprising this book, including the human-dog relationship, dog ecology and population biology, the aetiological agents of canine zoonotic diseases and their control, the influence of immunosuppression, and dog population management. There is very little overlap apart from the last chapter on zoonoses control which covers information discussed in earlier chapters on the specific aetiological agents.

As in any multi-authored volume there is bound to be some variability in quality, approach, scope and depth of treatment. For example, I found the specific zoonoses – based chapters on bacteria, trematodes and protozoa more useful in terms of current information on prevalence, distribution and impact than the chapters on nematodes and arthropods. The excellent chapter on cestode zoonoses stands out on its own.

Most chapters are up to date. However, the chapter on arthropods does not refer to recent information published over the last 3–4 years on the molecular characterisation of canine scabies which raises interesting questions about the zoonotic significance of this parasite in dogs. The disease terminology used in Chapter Eight on nematodes is controversial (e.g. ancylostomosis rather than ancylostomiasis) and is in contrast to that used in the rest of the book. It is also not that used by the publishers, CAB International, in their literature databases.

The emerging issue of canine zoonoses and the elderly is not really dealt with in the context of a growing susceptible population. Similarly, the important role of education in zoonoses control is not covered in any depth, including the role of the veterinarian, and this could have been featured in the final chapter on control. The role of quarantine measures in limiting the spread of zoonoses is similarly not dealt with in any detail. Finally, I did not find the index very useful and it could have been more comprehensive.

The latter are minor criticisms, however, in what is a very useful and comprehensive treatment of a topical area of public health making it a required text for teachers, researchers and health professionals.