New Delhi: 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.
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.