World Veterinary Day is observed every year on the last Saturday in the month of April globally. The day is dedicated to both animals and professionals from the veterinary world caring for them. Persons serving in the veterinary world are generally regarded as selfless, compassionate and caring towards four legged creatures. This article shares a detailed insight, why this date is important to the veterinary world.
When is World Veterinary Day 2021?
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This year, World Veterinary Day is celebrated on 24 April 2021. The current pandemic caused due to the COVID-19 crisis was a big challenge for the veterinary fraternity, and they had to work extra hard to survive through the situation. The very term ‘social distancing’ that was applicable for doctors and nurses and, in general, humans tending to animals was a dreaded word.
It was emotionally, physically and mentally draining as the world did not anticipate such a whirlwind situation. The whole scenario of keeping the animal world safe from the worrisome situation outside while dealing with the public’s concerns kept the veterinary staff right on their toes.
Why World Veterinary Day is celebrated?
Dr. J Gamjee played a pivotal role in holding the first International Veterinary Congress in 1863. The solid steps taken by Dr. Gamjee led to the formation of the WVA or World Veterinary Association as we call it today. Professionals serving in various veterinary units, members of national veterinary associations and people associated with different veterinary medicine areas report to the international associations of veterinarians.
The WVA is the leading organization or the towering umbrella nest for international associations of veterinarians. The WVA is the main reason behind uniting veterinarians all around the globe under one international frame. Later in the year 2000, the official annual celebration of World Veterinary Day culminated in promoting animals’ health and welfare. The day’s unified theme is to understand that humans and animals are interconnected in many ways, and their co-existence is the only way ahead.
What is the theme of World Veterinary Day 2021?
The World Veterinary Day 2021 theme is set as “Environmental safety for enhancing animal and human well being”. Every year a new theme for the current year’s celebration is decided by the WVA. In relevance to the theme, the association also hands over a veterinary prize to one of its members who have contributed significantly to the veterinary world and strived hard to create a difference in the animal world.
In the current year, prize money of $2,500 has been declared for a skilled veterinarian who has worked outstandingly in accordance with the set theme. Working closely with the environment while supporting an eco-friendly and sustainable living environment has made rounds this year. An individual who comes closely associated with his work fulfilling this year’s theme gets nominated for the award. Some previous year themes are listed below:
- The theme for the year 2020 was “Environmental protection for improving animal and human health.”
- 2019 focused entirely on the animal world and set its theme as “Value of Vaccination”.
- 2018 gave an elaborate theme bringing together many worlds and its theme titled “The role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve livelihoods, food security and safety”.
- The year 2017 gave it back entirely to the veterinary fraternity through its theme titled “Antimicrobial resistance – from awareness to action”.
- 2016 presented a novel theme focusing on the education of veterinary professionals. It was titled “Continuing education with a one health focus”.
Objectives of World Veterinary Day 2021
In this section, we list some of the most important objectives of celebrating World Veterinary Day, take a look:
- To popularise the veterinary profession prima facie and encourage more youngsters to enrol in veterinary sciences courses.
- Improvement of living conditions for animals, especially unsheltered animals and those are lying unattended on the streets.
- Ensuring quality food practices, safety and precautions while transporting animals from one place to another.
- Raising public awareness about animal-related diseases like rabies and the crucial need to vaccinate animals from time to time.
- The day aims to appreciate veterinarians across the globe for their outstanding work and encourage them to diversify their profession.
- It is an unofficial day for pet owners to spend quality time with their pets, care for them and play around with them to make them happy.
World Veterinary Day 2021 Celebration
Celebrations are planned across the globe in line with the theme chosen for the particular year. Apart from them, the common celebrations and activities include conducting seminars and meetings in public.
Discussion forums use this day and create a platform for spreading knowledge on new finding in veterinary science. In these days of the CORONA crisis, the WVA Congress has encouraged and strictly advised to make the celebrations online and follow social distancing norms even if events were planned in the offline mode.
The most important part of the celebration is the felicitation of an outstanding contributor to the veterinary field, which the WVA confers. Owing to this year’s theme, applicants can send in their entries if their work stands relevant to the connections between animals, humans and the environment. In India, school celebrate this day by organising essay and speech writing competition, poster making, debate, etc.
World Veterinary Day 2021 Quotes
Some of the popular Veterinary day quotes/status are given below:
- “Veterinarians are the best doctors in the universe as they can’t ask their patients about their ailments”.
- “Let’s create a fair world of love, care and compassion for animals on this World Veterinary Day”.
- “To rise from being selfish to selfless with love is the essence of the veterinary profession”.
- “Medical superheroes that care for the welfare and well being of animals are legends called veterinary doctors”.
- “World Veterinary Day is a dedication to all the animals and pets that enrich our lives with good wishes, passion and humanitarian feelings”.
Frequently Asked Question’s
1. Who was the first veterinarian in the world?
Cloude Bourgelat was the first veterinarian in the world. He founded the first and foremost veterinary school in the year 1762 in France.
2. Who is the father of veterinary science?
Renatus Vegetius, who lived between 450 to 500 AD, is regarded as the father of veterinary science.
3. Who was the first woman veterinarian?
Aleen Cust was renowned as the first woman veterinary surgeon. She has recognised for her services at the royal college of veterinary surgeons in Great Britain.
4. Who is the youngest veterinarian?
At the young age of ten, Courtney Oliver was certified as a veterinary assistant when she passed relevant online courses. She is further passing higher exams and is already on the route to becoming a veterinarian.
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