WORLD VETERINARY DAY
Every year, the last Saturday of April, is celebrated globally a tribute to the indispensable contributions of veterinarians and their teams to the animal health, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.
In 2025, this special day falls on April 26, with the World Veterinary Association (WVA) announcing the theme “Animal Health Takes a Team.” This theme underscores the collaborative spirit of veterinary practices, highlighting the collective efforts of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pharmacists, livestock assistants, researchers, and allied professionals in delivering exceptional care.
Beyond celebrating the profession, World Veterinary Day serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of animal health with that of human and environmental health—a concept embodied in the ‘One Health’ approach. Coined in the early 2000s, One Health calls for a transdisciplinary approach to address complex health challenges, from zoonotic disease outbreaks to climate change impacts. Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to champion this framework, as their expertise spans species and ecosystems.
This theme resonates with the One Health philosophy, emphasizing partnerships across disciplines. For example, managing a disease outbreak requires veterinarians to work with epidemiologists, laboratory technicians, and policymakers. Similarly, advancing animal welfare involves collaboration with nutritionists, behaviorists, and advocacy groups. The WVA’s choice of this theme also aligns with the 2025 World Veterinary Association Congress, hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in Washington, D.C., under the motto “United for the Veterinary Community
The theme encourages veterinary teams to engage communities through education, outreach, and advocacy. The WVA has launched a social media campaign, ‘Spotlight the Professional’, inviting team members to share their roles and contributions. Clinics can host workshops on pet care, vaccination, or disease prevention, while partnerships with shelters and rescues can promote adoption and responsible ownership. These efforts amplify the profession’s impact and foster public appreciation for the teamwork behind animal health.
The Veterinary Profession: A Pillar of Society
Veterinarians are far more than mere caregivers for pets, domestic, or wild animals. They are custodians of animal health, staunch advocates for animal welfare, and integral figures in safeguarding public health and ensuring food security. Their work spans diverse domains, from caring for companion animals to ensuring the health of livestock, wildlife, and ecosystems.
In an era of emerging pathogens and climate crises, their expertise is indispensable. For instance, nearly 60% of infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, including rabies, COVID-19, Ebola, avian influenza etc Veterinarians are often the first to detect these threats, acting as sentinels who bridge animal and human health systems.
In agriculture, veterinarians ensure food safety by overseeing herd health, implementing biosecurity measures, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Wildlife veterinarians protect biodiversity by addressing health challenges in endangered species.
Additionally, veterinary researchers drive innovation, developing vaccines, treatments, and strategies to combat emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global crisis threatening both human and animal medicine. In September 2024, the United Nations adopted a Political Declaration on AMR, emphasizing coordinated action across sectors—an approach veterinarians actively support through responsible antimicrobial stewardship
The veterinary profession also fosters the human-animal bond, recognizing the emotional and psychological benefits of companion animals. By promoting responsible pet ownership and providing care for service animals, veterinarians enhance the quality of life for both animals and their human companions. This multifaceted role makes veterinarians indispensable to society, bridging the gap between individual animal care and global health challenges.
The Importance of Animal Health
Animal health is a cornerstone of global well-being. Healthy animals support food security, economic stability, and biodiversity while also enhancing human health through companionship and ecosystem services. The veterinary profession plays a critical role in ensuring these outcomes.
Undeservingly disregarded
The veterinary profession often does not receive the respect it rightfully deserves. It is frequently perceived as inferior, which fosters a deep sense of inferiority within the field itself. It’s disheartening that phrases like “Chi banakh neh gupan doctor ti kehn” have become colloquial slurs—implying that becoming a veterinary doctor is somehow shameful or a reflection of worthlessness.
This mindset urgently needs to change. Becoming a veterinary doctor demands immense dedication—six rigorous years of study just to earn a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), followed by years of specialization through postgraduate and doctoral studies. Such commitment and expertise warrant admiration, not disregard.
Let us collectively pledge to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of veterinarians and extend to them the respect they truly deserve.
Tail-piece
The veterinary profession is a cornerstone of a healthier, more sustainable world. By embracing the One Health approach and celebrating the teamwork behind animal care, we can ensure that veterinarians and their allies continue to thrive.
On this day let’s unite to honor these unsung heroes and commit to a future where animal health, human well-being, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. After all, as the 2025 theme reminds us, ‘’animal health truly takes a team’’.
(The Author can be mailed at: [email protected])
