World Veterinary Day 2018: How Are You Celebrating?

On Saturday, April 28, the global veterinary community will come together to celebrate World Veterinary Day. Created by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA), World Veterinary Day is meant to raise public awareness about the important roles veterinarians undertake.

A More Sustainable Future

Each year, the OIE and WVA declare a theme for World Veterinary Day. For 2018, the celebrations will be centered around focusing attention to the crucial role veterinarians play in the development of more sustainable animal husbandry practices, which improve not only the health of animals, but also the health and well-being of people and the environment.

“By implementing a One Health Approach, veterinarians are working together with other health professionals to improve and develop new production systems that are also respectful of animal welfare and the environment,” the associations said in a press release. “By doing so, veterinarians are contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to reduce poverty and ensure zero hunger, good health, and economic growth.”

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the World Veterinary Day Award. This award recognizes the most successful contribution by a WVA member association in celebrating the veterinary profession in their country. The competition is open to all WVA member associations, either alone or in cooperation with any other selected body.

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To win this year’s award, your veterinary association must best promote the theme of “the role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve livelihoods, food security, and safety” during World Veterinary Day. The organizers will also consider activities that took place in the past, are on-going, or are planned for a future date.

Additional criteria and the official application are available on the WVA website. The application deadline is May 31 and the winner will be announced June 15.

#AVeterinarianIs

For our part, American Veterinarian® is encouraging veterinary professionals and pet owners to take to social media and share their thoughts about what being a veterinarian or having a veterinarian in their lives means to them. Participants can share photographs, videos, and comments on social media using #AVeterinarianIs. Submissions can also be sent via AmericanVeterinarian.com/share.

“Veterinarians play a crucial role in the lives of pets and pet owners but are not always acknowledged for their hard work and dedication,” Chris Hennessy, publisher of American Veterinarian^®, said. “We are thrilled to bring recognition to this profession so veterinarians feel empowered and encouraged to continue to enhance this field.”