Veterinary Entomologist Career Profile
- Career Name - Veterinary Entomologist
- Category - Farming and Livestock Management / Health / Specialists / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Themed Parks
- Skills Required - Life skills 40% - Career skills 60%
- Basic School Subjects - Biology, Science, Language
- Minimum Required Education - Doctorate Degree
- Species Worked With - Insects
- Kind of Interaction with Animals - Direct
Do you want to work as a veterinary entomologist?
READ: This page helps you to read about the career and the info you need to decide on whether this is indeed the career you want to follow.
RESEARCH: Learn about the skills required and minimum subjects to enter this career, as well as the places where you can study further after school.
PREPARE: If you want to plan and prepare for your career, then join the OZT Community! Members have access to tools while chatting with other students and experts from around the world. Prepare to be amazed!
CAREER MENTOR
UPDATED:
14 August 2024
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What is a Veterinary Entomologist?
A veterinary entomologist is a specialist who studies the role of insects and other arthropods in the health and disease of animals. They focus on how these organisms interact with livestock, pets, and wildlife, particularly in relation to the transmission of diseases, infestations, and the overall impact on animal health.
Alternative Names
This career can have alternative names, depending on things like language, or even just the names given it within different countries:
- Agricultural Entomologist
- Animal Health Entomologist
This is a short video on one of the many products created with the research gathered through veterinary Entomology
Career Categories
The animal related careers are organized into categories. Here are the categories in which Medical Entomologist can be found:
- Farming and Livestock Management
- Animal Health
- Specialists
- Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Themed Parks
History?
Hundreds of entomologists enlisted in the US military during WW2 to help protect the troops
Deadly insects?
Mosquitos are possibly enemy number 1 for medical entomologists
What does a Veterinary Entomologist do?
Groups of animals a Veterinary Entomologist works with
A veterinary entomologist works with a wide range of animals, focussing on those affected by insects and other arthropods. The types of animals they work with include:
Livestock:
- Cattle: Managing issues related to ticks, flies, and other pests that can cause diseases like Bovine babesiosis or impact productivity.
- Sheep and Goats: Dealing with insects such as blowflies, which cause flystrikes, and other parasites.
- Poultry: Addressing infestations by mites, lice, and other pests that can affect chickens, turkeys, and other birds.
- Swine: Studying insects like lice and flies that can transmit diseases to pigs.
Companion Animals (Pets):
- Dogs and Cats: Managing fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can transmit diseases like heartworm, Lyme disease, or ehrlichiosis.
- Horses: focussing on insects like stable flies and mosquitoes, which can cause irritation and transmit diseases like the West Nile virus.
Wildlife:
- Wild Mammals: Studying the impact of parasites and disease vectors on wild species such as deer, rodents, and carnivores.
- Birds: researching the effects of mites, lice, and mosquitoes on wild bird populations.
Zoo and Exotic Animals:
- Captive Wildlife: Working with insects that affect zoo animals, including exotic species like reptiles, amphibians, and large mammals.
- Exotic Pets: Addressing issues related to insects and arthropods that affect exotic pets such as snakes, lizards, and birds.
Aquatic Animals:
- Fish and Amphibians: Investigating the role of aquatic insects and parasites in the health of fish in aquaculture or wild populations.
Laboratory Animals:
- Rodents and Other Research Animals: Ensuring the health of laboratory animals by controlling insects and mites that could affect research outcomes.
Veterinary entomologists are crucial in understanding and managing the impact of insects and arthropods on a diverse array of animals, ensuring both their health and welfare.
What is the level of Interaction with the Animals?
- Directly - A person works directly with the animals with some form of physical contact at least once every few days
- Indirectly - The career doesn't require direct or physical contact at all.
What does a Veterinary Entomologist focus on?
Veterinary Entomologists study the illnesses caused by insects and arthropods when they come in contact with certain species of wildlife, especially mammals. Their research is used to protect the animals (mostly livestock) against the dangerous diseases.
Daily tasks of a Veterinary Entomologist
- Collect and inspect insects found at different locations
- Research the possible diseases insects may carry
- Providing technical advice in safeguarding livestock and certain wildlife species
- Design an appropriate surveillance strategy against diseases
- Assist veterinary staff in places such as zoos and aquariums
- Administration and filing
The work Environment of a Veterinary Entomologist
Work environment and places where a veterinary entomologist can be employed
Environment –
Veterinary entomologists work equal amounts indoors and outdoors. Much of the field work will entail collecting insects and samples, and researching insect diseases and preventative repellents. Scientific analysis of these insects takes place within a laboratory.
Places of Employment –
They are mainly employed by government, educational institutions, research companies laboratories, zoos, aquariums.
Average annual salary for a veterinary entomologist
They can earn an average of US$65,000 per year. The salary will also differ from country to country.
Can a veterinary entomologist be promoted?
They do have the opportunity to be promoted within the unit or department, or join a different organization at a higher position.
What difficulties do veterinary entomologists face?
The most dangerous aspect of this career is working with insects that might be carrying deadly pathogens.
They may also work long hours, in difficult conditions, and might need to travel frequently.
Future growth and possibilities in this Career
The future growth of the sector is growing at around 5% per year. A god sub-field to look into is the breeding of beneficial insects which can be used to eradicate harmful insects in a more natural way.
Which Skills does a Veterinary Entomologist need?
The skills required for a career as a veterinary entomologist can be divided into two very important groups. The first is the group containing life skills, which are the core skills that are necessary or desirable for full participation in everyday life. The second group is career skills, or the specific skills required to allow a person to enter and operate effectively within a specific career. Some or maybe even all of the life skills can assist in strengthening the career skills, and they might even be the same for specific careers.
Life Skills
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Decision making
- Problem Solving
- Effective communication
- Interpersonal relationship
Career Skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good health and physical fitness
- Excellent computer literacy
Which Subjects must I have at School to help me prepare for this Career?
Biology will be a good subject at School as a foundation for future studies in entomology
Science is a foundational subject and required by many colleges and universities for standard admission
Language as a subject is key for you to understand more about communication.
The subjects you choose at school are important as they lay the foundation for further studies at college or university. While still at school, it’s also important to learn more about the animals you will work with, as well as gain some experience.
OZT has a list of various tertiary institutions where you can study further, after school. Each of these institutions also have their own Group page on OZT where you will find the exact subjects they require of you to have passed in school. Keep these requirements in mind, and discuss it with your school, guidance counselor and parents to ensure that you are prepared!
What will I need to Study to become a Veterinary Entomologist?
Minimum educational requirement
The minimum international requirement is a Doctorate Degree.
Subject focus
Majors –
The following majors can be taken biosecurity, parasitology, entomology.
Short Courses –
Many colleges have excellent short courses in entomology.
Subject duration
The duration of a Doctorate Degree includes the 3 to 4 years for a Bachelor’s Degrees, plus an additional 3 plus years for masters and Doctorate. Short Courses are usually between a few weeks and a year.
FREE Career Preparation Path
If this is your dream career that you want to pursue, then it’s important to plan the way forward.
Why is planning important?
To ensure that you understand the requirements for your career, and that you are always prepared for the next step on the road towards your dream. A preparation path is like a road map to where you want to be.
Possible Paths:
1. Attend Career Guidance Sessions:
Start by attending career guidance sessions at school or with a counsellor. Focus on careers related to veterinary science, entomology, and animal health to gain a clear understanding of what a veterinary entomologist does.
2. Research All Possible Careers:
Research various careers within the fields of veterinary science, entomology, and parasitology. Explore roles like animal health entomologist, veterinary parasitologist, and Zoonotic disease entomologist to understand different specialisations.
3. Explore Educational Paths:
Investigate educational paths, including bachelor’s degrees in entomology, biology, zoology, or veterinary science. Research advanced degrees like a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or a master’s/Ph.D. in entomology with a focus on veterinary entomology.
4. Align High School Subjects with the Educational Path:
Focus on subjects like biology, chemistry, environmental science, and mathematics. Taking advanced placement (AP) or honours courses in these areas can provide a strong foundation.
5. Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent:
Work towards graduating with a strong academic record. Consider enrolling in science clubs or related extracurricular activities to strengthen your application for college.
6. Learn About Animals You Will Work With:
Study and learn about different types of animals that are commonly affected by insects and arthropods, such as livestock, pets, wildlife, and exotic animals. Consider volunteering at animal shelters, farms, or zoos to gain hands-on experience.
7. Align Post-School Path with Career Goals:
Decide whether you want to enter the workforce directly, pursue further studies, or start a business. Most veterinary entomologists pursue further studies, so consider applying to universities with strong programmes in entomology or veterinary science.
8. Gain Experience Through Volunteering, Internship, Mentorship, etc.:
Seek out internships or volunteer opportunities in veterinary clinics, research labs, or agricultural settings. Look for mentorship opportunities with professionals in the field.
9. Pursue Extracurricular Activities:
Join or start a biology or environmental club at school. Participate in science fairs, wildlife conservation efforts, or entomology-related activities to build a portfolio of experience.
10. Join Professional Associations:
As a student, consider joining professional associations like the Entomological Society of America (ESA) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
11. Gain Specialissed Skills:
Develop specialised skills in areas like insect identification, data analysis, laboratory techniques, and fieldwork. Take online courses or attend workshops to build these skills.
12. Network with Professionals:
Attend conferences, seminars, and webinars related to entomology and veterinary science. Connect with professionals through networking events or online platforms like LinkedIn.
13. Enter the Job Market After Tertiary Studies or Launch a Business:
After completing your studies, apply for positions in research institutions, government agencies, universities, or private industry. Alternatively, consider starting a consulting business focused on animal health and pest management.
14. Stay Updated and Pursue Continuing Education:
Continue learning through professional development courses, attending conferences, and staying updated with the latest research in veterinary entomology. Pursue certifications and advanced degrees as needed to stay competitive in the field.
This path will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to succeed as a veterinary entomologist.
Possible Combined Career Paths
It is possible to sometimes combine two or more related careers. This normally happens when you study and practice a specific main career, but the knowledge and experience gained also help you to have a paying hobby or secondary income career.
Possible Alternatives (there are a lot more):
Training and apprenticeship
Even though it is important to study to get into some of the animal careers, most of the research and other laboratory skills you will need as a veterinary entomologist will be acquired through practice. This means that you will learn how to perform some of the daily tasks by actually doing it a few times and learning the steps.
In some cases entry level positions require training sessions even before you are allowed to actually perform your job duties. These sessions are offered by the place of employment, after you have successfully applied.
Join the Veterinary Entomologists Group in the OZT Community to learn more and even interact with the educational institutions that will help you secure your dream career!
Average level of education of those entering the career:
Licenses, Certificate, Registration and Professional Associations
Certain animal careers require some form of legal certification to prove that you can indeed do the work, and work with the necessary equipment.
Certifications might be required in certain countries, and it may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills.
Learn more about requirements by joining the OZT Community.
Professional Associations
Where can I study further to become a Veterinary Entomologist?
All of the above information will help you understand more about the Career, including the fact that there are different paths to take to reach it. But if you are almost done with High School (Grades 11 or 12), you also need to start thinking about further studies, and WHERE you will study.
See the List of Universities, Colleges and Online Training Academies who offer courses towards forensics and entomology.
How do I start to prepare for this Career?
If you do decide on following this career, then OZT can assist you in figuring out a path to prepare, as well as help you to gain further knowledge about the career and the animals you will be working with. We do this by offering you FREE career development tools. There are almost a dozen free tools, but these are the three primary ones:
CAREER PATH PLAN
Use the career path plan above on this profile as an example to follow, or to work out your own path.
COST; Free
ACCESS: Open to visitors and Members
SHORT COURSES
Access easy-to-use short courses to make your career preparation easier! The basic information in each course is free, but the rewards can only be unlocked as an OZT member!
COST; Free
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STUDY GUIDE
Get a supercharged study guide that fits into the career path plan! Now that's really upping your preparation game! Join us for free to gain access!
COST; Free
ACCESS: Members Only
But, if you are still uncertain about choosing this specific career, and even where to start, then have a look at our special series of WHAT NEXT courses (link below). They take you through all of the questions you might have on how to choose the right career, what to do while at and after school, and even how to start your own business.
OR
Join the OZT community & Career Group
Join us as a special member and learn more about becoming a veterinary entomologist.
Members of the Platform have special access to:
- Info on the best places where you can study (colleges, universities and online)
- Expertly designed advice to prepare you for the career, and links to places where you can gain valuable experience. For some career experience is necessary, otherwise you wont get the job!
- Top notch info on each of the different species you will work with
- Make friends around the world and share knowledge
- Compete and win points, badges, games, prizes and certificates. Be the best of the best, while you learn and prepare!
If you have decided on being a Veterinary Entomologist, please click on the JOIN GROUP button. Members will be directed to the Group, while non-members will be assisted to register first.
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