The application of geographical information systems to veterinary medicine: an overview

Geographical information systems (GIS), are powerful computerized systems with capabilities for inputting, storage, mapping, analysis and display of spatial data associated with a location on the Earth´s surface. GIS have tremendously enhanced ecological epizootiology, the study of diseases in relation to their ecosystems. They have found increasing application for surveillance and monitoring studies, identification and location of environmental risk factors as well as disease prediction, disease policy planning, prevention and control. This article is an overview of the application of GIS to veterinary and medical research, education, decision support and information systems in different parts of the world, including Nigeria.