High-level clinical research in small animal medicine remains limited compared with human medicine, contributing to stagnation in the advancement of clinical practice standards. This introduction outlines which study designs are considered superior, together with an overview of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).

The highest level of evidence is provided by systematic reviews, which integrate multiple research outcomes using standardized methods. Among individual studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are regarded as the most robust interventional design. They are followed by observational studies, with prospectively conducted cohort studies offering greater validity than retrospectively designed case-control studies. In the absence of such evidence, clinicians may rely on case reports describing actual patients, expert opinions, or experimental findings from laboratory animals or cellular models.

Achieving studies at higher levels of the evidence hierarchy requires close collaboration between epidemiologists and clinical researchers. To encourage such partnerships, this symposium introduces recent research initiatives in the field of small animal practice.

The introduction of epidemiological research is essential to the development of small animal clinical oncology in Japan. To achieve this, it is necessary to raise awareness among small animal veterinarians that epidemiology is important and to create an environment in which epidemiological research can be carried out smoothly. The trial of a canine tumor registry system will not only be useful in itself, but will also generate many practical ideas.

Cephalexin (CEX), a first-generation cephalosporin and a β-lactam antibiotic, exhibits bactericidal activity against the genus Staphylococcus. CEX has long been a first-line antimicrobial for canine superficial pyoderma, which is predominantly caused by S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi. However, clinical evidence supporting systemic CEX therapy for this disease was insufficient. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), including methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and S. schleiferi (MRSS), has recently become one of the most important antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in canine practice. Due to the worldwide spread of the multidrug-resistant hospital-associated MRSP (HA-MRSP) clone ST71-SCCmec III, prescribing oral antimicrobials in outpatient dermatology practice in dogs has become challenging.

The Japan Society of Veterinary Dermatology (JSVD) conducted a prospective clinical trial from 2018 to 2023 in Japan to gather clinical evidence for systemic CEX therapy in primary care cases of superficial pyoderma. This study aimed to verify the clinical efficacy of systemic CEX for this disease, comparing it with topical chlorhexidine (CHL). We also evaluated host and bacterial factors affecting the effectiveness of these therapies. The main findings of this study were that systemic CEX exhibited a more rapid onset of efficacy than topical CHL, showed consistent efficacy regardless of disease severity, and led to delayed lesion improvement 7 days after administration in elderly dogs. Consistent with CLSI guidelines, CEX was less effective for cases involving MRS in our observations; however, it demonstrated efficacy in those involving low-level MRS (oxacillin MIC <4 μg/ml). Our findings will provide new insights into factors affecting clinical outcomes following CEX administrations for superficial pyoderma.

In small animal practice, a substantial gap in high-quality evidence persists compared to human medicine. Bridging this gap requires the application of clinical epidemiological thinking, which involves a rigorous process of balancing an ideal "Research Question (what we want to know)" with a feasible "Study Plan (what we can do)" while maximizing scientific validity. This article illustrates this essential process through two clinical research studies: a retrospective cohort study to develop a prognostic prediction model for 30-day mortality after mitral valve repair (MVR) in dogs, and a randomized controlled trial comparing the myocardial protective effects of two cardioplegias in dogs undergoing MVR. Through these examples, this paper argues that the quality of research is largely determined during the planning phase. It highlights the importance of prospectively identifying study limitations and addressing them through meticulous design and analysis. Fostering a clinical epidemiological mindset is essential for advancing high-quality clinical research in veterinary medicine.

This study investigates consumer preferences and satisfaction regarding beef received as a return gift through Japan’s Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax Donation) program, with the aim of exploring its potential for promoting beef consumption. An online survey was conducted in two stages: a screening survey of 10,000 individuals identified 1,087 (11%) who had received beef within the past three years; from these, 400 were invited to complete a 10-item questionnaire, yielding 365 valid responses.

Results showed that 94% of respondents used the beef for home consumption, and 95% prioritized quantity relative to price when selecting beef as a return gift. Overall satisfaction was high, with 88% expressing general satisfaction and 85% indicating an intention to choose beef again in the future.

Given the growing popularity of Furusato Nozei, understanding the motivations and needs of beef-selecting participants is essential for leveraging the program to further expand regional beef consumption.

To understand how the distribution and abundance of wild birds are monitored in Japan, we conducted interviews with local facilities engaged in bird monitoring. Based on the interviews with 11 facilities, we found that bird monitoring programs have been conducted by staff with high bird identification skills and at high frequency in many facilities. While the data from these monitoring programs could contribute to understanding wild bird habitats, the monitoring methods, frequency, and disclosure methods vary across facilities, which makes it challenging to share the monitoring data systematically. Furthermore, publishing the monitoring data entails constraints such as data entry efforts and information management issues. In the future, if a system is established to address these issues and facilitate the sharing of monitoring data, it could be utilized not only for bird conservation but also across multiple fields such as disease control in poultry and public health.

Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are vital mechanisms for building competent public health workforces worldwide. While originally designed for human health professionals, the integration of veterinarians within these programs has gained renewed importance under the One Health paradigm. This paper reviews the evolution and current state of veterinary field epidemiology training in Asia, highlighting its contribution to national and regional health security. Drawing on examples from Southeast Asia, we discuss how Field Epidemiology Training Programs for Veterinarians (FETPV) complement traditional FETPs, strengthen multisector collaboration, and enhance the collective ability to detect and respond to zoonotic threats. The study concludes that harmonizing veterinary and human health FETP pathways offers the most sustainable strategy for developing a resilient One Health workforce capable of addressing emerging diseases at the animal-human-environment interface.