Interface of epidemiology, pet population issues and policy.

Progress has been made towards eliminating Rowan's "statistical black hole" regarding pet populations and their dynamics, although deficiencies remain. The challenge in the coming decade will be to continue the progress, and generate meaningful epidemiologic data. Veterinary epidemiologists will continue to play an important role in the generation, dissemination and translation of results from their studies into coherent, effective companion animal welfare policy.