What must a veterinarian state in a health certificate regarding the animal's health?

In a health certificate, the veterinarian must primarily attest to the animal's health status concerning infectious diseases. This is crucial as health certificates are often required for travel, boarding, or participation in events and are intended to ensure that the animal does not pose a risk of transmitting contagious diseases to other animals or humans. The statement regarding the animal being free from infectious disease is a key component of assessing overall health, ensuring that the animal is fit for interactions in new environments. This reflects the veterinarian's professional evaluation and responsibility to promote public health and animal welfare.

While spaying/neutering, vaccine status, and the presence of external parasites may be components of an animal's overall health, they are not universally required to be stated in a health certificate. The focus on infectious diseases reflects both regulatory standards and the health concerns that are typically associated with animal transportation and gatherings.