World Veterinary Day (WVD) is observed annually on the last Saturday of April worldwide to recognize the contributions of veterinarians in ensuring animal health, welfare, and public safety.
- The annual observance is led by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), a global federation of veterinary associations dedicated to advancing veterinary science.
Key Dates:
In 2025, World Veterinary Day was observed on 26th April 2025
- In 2024, World Veterinary Day was observed on 27th April 2024
- In 2026, World Veterinary Day will be observed on 25th April 2026
2025 Theme:
WVA announced the theme for World Veterinary Day 2025 as “Animal Health Takes a Team.”
- This theme underscores the collaborative nature of veterinary practice, highlighting the essential roles that various professionals play in delivering high-quality veterinary services.
Background:
i.In 1863, Professor John Gamgee from the Veterinary College of Edinburgh (United Kingdom, UK) initiated the first World Veterinary Congress.
ii.In 1959, WVA was established to focus on global animal health and welfare.
iii.In 2000, WVA initiated World Veterinary Day as an annual celebration.
Role of Veterinarians:
i.Veterinarians are medical professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of animals, including pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
ii.They play a crucial role in ensuring animal health, preventing and controlling diseases, and safeguarding public health by managing zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
World Veterinary Day Award:
i.Since 2019, the WVA has partnered with Health for Animals, the global animal health industry association, to present the World Veterinary Day Award.
ii.This award, accompanied by a monetary prize of USD 5,000, is granted to the entity that best promotes the annual theme.
WVA Global Veterinary Awards:
i.The WVA, in collaboration with Libourne (France)-based Ceva Santé Animale, organizes the Global Veterinary Awards.
ii.These awards recognize veterinarians and veterinary students who have made significant contributions in the following strategic areas: such as health, medicine stewardship, animal welfare, and veterinary education.
iii.Each of the four veterinarians selected in these categories will receive an award of 5,000 euros.
iv.Award winners will be honored on 19th July 2025 during the 40th American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention 2025 and World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC) 2025 in Washington, D.C., United States of America (USA).
Key Institutions in India for Veterinary Sciences:
1.Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) operates under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D).
- It oversees livestock production and dairy development, manages the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
- It regulates animal experimentation through the Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA).
2.Veterinary Council of India (VCI) is a statutory body established under the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984.
- It is headquartered in New Delhi (Delhi) and functions under DAHD.
- It regulates veterinary practice and maintains uniform standards of veterinary education across India.
About World Veterinary Association (WVA):
President – John de Jong
Headquarters – Brussels, Belgium
