World Veterinary Day 2022: World Veterinary Day is observed on the last Saturday of April to celebrate the work of veterinarians globally. The day highlights the work and duties veterinarians have towards the society and the responsibilities they shoulder at a local, national and international level. The challenges they face in their day-to-day work and their contribution to the benefit of the global society.
During the pandemic, the veterinary sector played an extraordinary role in the pandemic response, making vital contributions in fields like research, diagnostics, communication, material donation and many others.
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History
The first-ever International Veterinary Congress meeting was held in 1863 in Hamburg, Germany and was called by Professor John Gamgee. England, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, Russia, and Sweden were among the 103 participants. The agenda of the meeting included epizootic diseases and a discussion on standard rules for cattle trade in Europe. It later came to be known as World Veterinary Congress.
A permanent committee was created in the eighth Congress, in 1906. Further, in 1959, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) was founded in Madrid, Spain. World Veterinary Day was declared in 2001.
Significance
The World Veterinary Association unites and represents the global veterinary profession, including national and international associations of veterinarians working in different areas of veterinary medicine. The WVA works to assure and promote animal health and welfare and public health globally, through developing and advancing veterinary medicine, the veterinary profession as well as public and private veterinary services.
World Veterinary Day also highlights the importance of veterinarians in maintaining animal welfare worldwide.
Theme
The theme of 30 April 2022, World Veterinary Day is “Strengthening Veterinary Resilience”. According to the new president of WVA Dr Rafael Laguens, the veterinary profession is a gratifying activity. Veterinarians, much like the animals they take care of, need proper tools and support to maintain their health and wellness. Veterinarians are aware, though, that this burden can be physically and mentally demanding. Stress, burnout and other health issues have risen in recent years, particularly during the pandemic.
Resilience cannot be facilitated only by individual veterinarians. It requires appropriate support by associations, institutions and governments to ensure adequate education, training, mentorship, and mutual support. Research is also needed to understand better the mental and physical burdens veterinarians face and the opportunities to provide more significant support.
Enjoy with a pet
Celebrate with a pet on Veterinary Day by buying them a treat or a new toy to show them how much they mean to you as you appreciate the work veterinarians do to keep pets healthy. Of course, veterinarians will love to know that pets are being specially cared for on this important day, so be sure that the treats they get are healthy for their bodies and for their teeth!
Quotes on Veterinary Day
“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem.” ― AA Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh.
“Personally, I have always felt that the best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what is the matter…he’s just got to know.” ― Will Rogers
Every two years, the Globe Veterinary Association has a congress somewhere in the world. Most of this group’s efforts go toward mitigating climate change, making smart usage environmental assets, and ensuring appropriate medication clearance. Some of the goals are as follows:
- Motivate numerous young people to participate in veterinarian science courses by popularizing the veterinary industry.
- Improving the living circumstances of animals, particularly those who are not housed and are left to their own in public places.
- Transferring animals safely and responsibly means following good food practices, safety procedures, and other safety measures.
- Encouraging people to learn more about animal-borne illnesses like rabies and the need of routinely immunizing their pets
- The goal of the day is to recognize and support vets around the world for their excellent work.
- It’s an informal holiday for pet parents to enjoy with their animals, pamper them, and have fun with them.
