World Veterinary Day

World Veterinary Day commemorates the veterinary profession in order to express the gratitude their work performed by veterinarians around the world.

World Veterinary Day (WVD) is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year to promote and highlight different aspects of the work done by veterinarians across the globe. You may love a dog, cat or horse, or other pet but all pets will agree on one thing in common that all of their adorable pets are healthy thanks to the veterinarian. A veterinarian is a person who specializes in the treatment of injuries, disorders, and diseases in animals. World Veterinary Day is a special day for all veterinarians because of their amazing work they do to keep your pets healthy.

History of World Veterinary Day

World Veterinarians Day was established by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 to highlight the amazing lifesaving work done by veterinarians worldwide. In 1863, about 150 years ago, Dr. J. Gamgee, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at Edinburgh, Dick's College of Veterinary Medicine convened the First International Veterinary Congress. This initiative has today evolved into the World Veterinary Association (WVA). The World Veterinary Association represents and unifies the veterinary profession worldwide. WVA is the umbrella organization for all veterinarian associations in the world in different areas of veterinary medicine. The mission of World Veterinary Association is to reassure and promote animal welfare and health and global public health, through the development and promotion of the veterinary industry, veterinary medicine and private veterinary services and public. WVA pursues Dr. J. Gamgee's ambition to bring all veterinarians around the world together to share ideas and join together for the growth and advancement of veterinary medicine. The main purpose of World Veterinary Day is to raise awareness of animal health and welfare, so each year WVA and OIE (Organization of Veterinary Medicine) choose a different theme and helps pet owners recall the importance of different aspects of animal care and how veterinarians can help. The theme of WVD 2017 is “Antibiotic Resistance”.

Do you know the signification of Vets during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

We think it is pretty safe to say that no one currently working has ever experienced a pandemic before, considering the most recent pandemic was 100 years ago. This leaves most veterinary professionals navigating its rough seas on their own.

As we know, the show must go on. The animals are still injured, always sick, and even in need of health checks regardless of the outside world lurking around. Toilet paper and tissues are being stocked, food is being hoarded, and people are panicking.

We must admit our ignorance to the animals while we as a nation are breathing heavily and developing "masks". However, a new normal will be established, and one year from now, we will leverage and use the skills we learned in the workforce to fight this pandemic. The two most valuable skills are adaptation and prediction.

Veterinary professionals are no stranger to personal protective equipment (PPE) and will find themselves more prepared than ever. However, this time it's each other's instead of animals. Having this new uniform will bring temporary comfort to the essential workforce.

To be essential vehicles needed and let's face it, we as a workforce are and will always be. Veterinarians during the Covid-19 pandemic have played a specific role in keeping owners calm with their animals.

Veterinary professionals not only put themselves in a position as your pet, but they also help support the cause. Veterinary hospitals across the globe have volunteered their equipment and time to help fight the fight against COVID-19.

World Veterinary Day Award

In 2008, the World Veterinary Day Awards were established to demonstrate an interesting organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the current year's theme. Any member of WVA can join and participate. Here is a list of the winners from the past 5 years, their themes, and their efforts to achieve the awards:

2020: Winner- Indian Veterinary Association- Kerala.

Theme-Protecting the environment to improve animal and human health.

Amid the onset of the pandemic, the Veterinary Society of India has shifted its efforts to virtual safety awareness through partnerships and engagement with veterinary professionals. To raise awareness and support the theme of World Veterinary Day each year, there were a lot of different activities, estimated around 75 activities/ year.

2019: Winner - Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA).

Topic- Value of vaccination.

UVA has organized vaccination campaigns, radio interviews, seminars, workshops, career programs and tutorials to raise awareness of the value of vaccination.

2018: Winner - Uganda Veterinary Association (UVA).

Topic – The Role of Veterinary Drugs in Sustainable Development in order to Improve Livelihoods, Security and Food Safety.

UVA has organized many activities in recognition of this theme, such as radio talks, seminars, documentaries and press conferences.

2017: Winner - French National Council of Veterinarians Order.

Theme- Resistance- From Awareness to Action.

To achieve this award, this organization has organized meetings, continuing education sessions, national congresses, symposia, etc. All these efforts have shown how to fight against the situation antibiotic resistance by raising awareness to do so.

2016 Winner- Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA).

Theme - Continuing Education with a One Health focus.

Their most significant effort is the organization of the project named One Health, One Love in Caribbean. The project aims to enhance animal health and production as well as food security in the Caribbean countries. To reach the goal, the surveillance, response and diagnosis of zoonotic and foodborne diseases are promoted strongly.

The winners will receive a WVD Award as well as a cash prize of $3500 for their efforts put back into their important work.

How to celebrate World Veterinary Day

WVA organizes a number of meetings and seminars to discuss new findings and share knowledge related to protecting our environment for future generations and ensuring the coexistence of people and animals.

There is an annual award given to a World Veterinary Association member working alone or with other groups by WVA and the Global Association of Animal Medicines. However, it is awarded only to those whose work/contributions are found to be WVA-themed.

On World Veterinary Day, how about sending a thank you note or a box of chocolates to appreciate the work of veterinarians? Moreover, treat your pet with their favorite food. If you don't have a pet, then use this day as an opportunity to buy a pet. In addition, do not forget sharing a picture of your pet and share your thoughts on social media about World Veterinary Day using the hashtag #WorldVeterinaryDay.