Effective scientific communication is essential in veterinary medicine. In this context, the medical writer, or more specifically, the veterinary writer plays a key role.
But what does this professional actually do, what skills are required, and why is their work also relevant to human health?
Who is the veterinary writer?
The veterinary writer is a professional specialized in scientific communication in the veterinary field. Their audience is broad and diverse, including veterinarians, researchers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, regulatory authorities and, not least, animal owners.
Although the educational pathway to becoming a veterinary writer is less structured than in the human medical field, the role of writing in veterinary medicine is equally crucial. It covers both scientific topics, such as the drafting of academic articles, abstracts, regulatory documents or educational materials, and more divulgative content aimed at a broader audience, such as farmers or pet owners.
The veterinary writer’s role is therefore to translate complex information into clear, understandable content tailored to the intended audience.
Key skills of a veterinary writer
A veterinary writer must not only “write well”, but above all be able to interpret, contextualize and communicate complex information clearly and accurately. For this reason, the skills required to excel in this profession are solid and multidisciplinary. Among the most essential are:
- • experience in the scientific and veterinary field,
- • knowledge of the relevant regulatory landscape,
- • analytical skills and critical thinking,
- • precision and attention to detail, and
- • strong communication skills, enabling adaptation of content to the communication context and target audience.
The veterinary writer is therefore a professional who combines technical expertise, scientific rigor, interdisciplinary vision and communication skills, making a significant contribution to the dissemination of clear and reliable knowledge in the sector.
Application areas of veterinary writing
Veterinary writing is applied in numerous areas. Among the most relevant are:
- • Regulatory affairs. The goal is to support pharmaceutical companies in preparing the documentation required for the authorization of new veterinary medicines. As with human medicines, veterinary drugs follow a regulated process involving authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe. Manufacturers are therefore required to submit data on efficacy, safety, chemical and pharmacological components, as well as information on discovery phases and the results of any pilot studies.
- • Research. The goal is to support veterinarians and researchers in drafting scientific articles, literature reviews, abstracts, conference posters and grant applications. In addition, the veterinary writer may also take on editorial roles for peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- • Marketing. The goal is to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, veterinary clinics and pet food manufacturers in defining communication strategies and producing promotional and educational materials. Brochures, websites, trade articles and information campaigns aim to enhance data and products, facilitate their understanding by veterinarians, farmers and animal owners, and support their commercialization.
- • Training. The goal is to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, researchers and institutions in developing tailored educational materials for veterinarians, farmers and animal owners, such as treatment protocol guides, case study dissemination or supporting materials for continuing education courses.
- • Translation. The goal is to support veterinarians, researchers and companies in the specialized translation and linguistic adaptation of documents such as package leaflets, clinical protocols, scientific articles and technical manuals.
The importance of communication for human health
Veterinary research does not concern only animal welfare and the professionals working in the sector: it also has direct and profound impacts on human health. Zoonoses, infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, are the most evident example. Well-known cases include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (“mad cow disease”), avian influenza, West Nile virus and monkeypox, all of which have shown how thin the boundary between animal health and human health really is. The correct dissemination of knowledge about these diseases, through scientific publications, guidelines, information campaigns, and targeted communication tools, helps not only to reduce their spread but also to strengthen prevention and protect human health.
Conclusion
Veterinary writing is not merely writing, but a true mediation tool that makes complex data accessible, facilitating interpretation and dissemination. A clear and well-structured text can make a difference in regulatory processes, professional training, and understanding by non-specialist audiences. Investing in high-quality scientific communication means enhancing research and sector products, while also contributing to the advancement of veterinary medicine and, indirectly, to the protection of public health.
Source: Parry, N. M. A. Opportunities in veterinary writing. Medical Writing 23, 174–177 (2014).
