World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in April annually, with an aim to raise awareness about veterinarians and their utmost devotion to animal health, welfare, and public health. This event is observed to honour and recognise the tireless efforts and perseverance to protect the health and safety of both animals and the populace. This year’s theme for World Veterinary Day 2023 is “Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession".
History of World Veterinary Day
This event is celebrated to honour the endeavours of veterinary professionals globally in augmenting animal health and welfare. World Veterinary Day also brings the global veterinary community together and helps them in getting the proper assistance. The World Veterinary Day (WVD) was first founded on April 29, 2000, by the initiative of the World Veterinary Association (WVA). Since then, every year, on the last Saturday of April, WVD is celebrated with a different theme selected that stresses a distinct aspect of veterinary medicine. This day offers an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and value the remarkable contribution of veterinarians to the community and to increase awareness about veterinary medicine.
The Importance Of Veterinarians
Well, veterinarians are the only doctors professionally trained to safeguard the health of both animals and the populace. They strive hard to address the health and safety needs of every single species of animal. They also play a crucial role in environmental protection, research, food safety, and public well-being.
Their role in society is essential for animals to be in good health status. Also, the animal health balance is dynamic and regular changes in the environment where human beings and animal health interactions take place. Any imbalances in wildlife can risk human health and take a toll on their lives.
Similarly, the extinction of one species can cause chaos as it can leave others without natural predators. This can be the root cause of the overpopulation of species that significantly impacts the ecosystem balance. Thus, the incredible work of veterinarians is not restricted to species that have contact with human beings but also with wildlife.
Conversely, diseases that can be spread from animals to humans should be regulated. In this regard, the role of vet doctors is very crucial and fundamental.
Role Of The Veterinarian In Society
The role of veterinarians in society is significant, and their performance in different regions ranges from animal welfare to food production. They do a spectacular job that comprises vast fields, including food production, animal health, public health, and environmental welfare. Veterinarians can be found in food control for human consumption, international trade in livestock products, and biosafety.
Role in Prevention
One of the utmost essential aspects in the field of public health is disease prevention. Veterinarian’s role and scope for prevention have many approaches that include:
Prevent disease outbreaks and the spreading of diseases that can threaten animals and people. Veterinarians carry out a commendable job in averting food crises and disease outbreaks.
Vet doctors devote themselves to animal health care and struggle every day to create a healthier and better environment.
The critical role of epidemiological surveillance is that they identify outbreaks daily. They also locate pathogens and regulate the borders, certifying animals and livestock.
They avoid economic losses at the national level to farmers and food industries. Monitoring cattle can aver the spread of diseases among cattle and limit the affectation.
Inspecting slaughterhouses, agriculture food industries, stores, and restaurants.
Conclusion
This World Veterinary Day lets all recognise and value the role of the veterinarian in society, which is as essential as doctors who treat human beings. Whether excelling in epidemiology, the food industry, or the welfare of animal healing, veterinarians are much more animal doctors. They are patrons of food of animal origin and, therefore, of the food security of mankind. Let’s recognize their importance.