The most recent revision of this comprehensive text covers the bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogenic agents that are significant causes of animal disease. The focus includes pathogenic mechanisms and processes in infectious diseases; methods of diagnosis; and, principles of resistance, prevention, and therapy. "Veterinary Microbiology, Second Edition" is now organized in four sections according to the most appropriate methods of instruction. Section 1 deals with the general characteristics of the host - parasite relationship, laboratory diagnosis of conditions involving an infectious etiology, antimicrobial treatment, and prevention of infectious disease. Sections 2 (bacteria and fungi) and 3 (viruses) present the infectious agents that affect the veterinary species.The chapters dealing with the bacterial agents are grouped mainly by morphology, and their gram-staining characteristics. The fungal agents are grouped mainly by morphologic characteristics (yeast, mold). The viruses are grouped along taxonomic grounds. Section 4, an enhancement new to this edition, deals with the infectious agents in the context of the host. This section is organized by organ system. Each organ system is discussed first as a microbial habitat, followed by discussion of those infectious agents that mainly affect that particular system. In addition to serving as a resource for veterinary students, "Veterinary Microbiology, Second Edition" also serves as a convenient reference for veterinarians and veterinary scientists whose main line of activity and expertise is outside the areas of microbiology.