World Veterinary Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April. The day marks the importance of Veterinary doctors all over the world who serve to protect animals.
Theme for the year 2020: “Environment Protection for Improving Animal and Human Health”.
Key Points:
i.History of the Day: The World Veterinary Day (WVD) was established in the year 2000 by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and has been celebrated since 2001.
ii.The very first International Veterinary Congress was held in Edinburgh around 150 years ago. This was organized by the professor of Anatomy and Physiology, Dr John Gamgee of the Dick Veterinary College.
iii.Each year the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) choose a topic to promote and educate about the important role of veterinarians.
iv.The aim of the World Veterinary Day is to promote the veterinary profession and work on improvement of the animal and human welfare, the environment, food safety, and practices of animal transport and quarantine.
v.World Veterinary Award: The World Veterinary Association has partnered with the Global Animal Medicines Association for the World Veterinary Day Award.
vi.The WVA and Health for Animals grant the WVD Award and $2,500 for the best contribution on the annual theme by a WVA member association working alone or with other groups.
About World Veterinary Association (WVA):
The WVA is a federation representing more than 80 veterinary medical associations around the world. Its objective is to promote animal health and welfare and the realisation that animals and man live interconnected lives.
President– Dr. Patricia TURNER.
About World Organization for Animal Health:
Headquarters– Paris, France.
Director-General– Monique Eliot.
Members– 182 member states.
