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World Veterinary Day on April 30, 2022 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate all the contributions of veterinarians to animal health. The theme this year is “building veterinary resilience”.1
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) first established World Veterinary Day in 2000 to annually celebrate the veterinary profession and the hard work that all veterinary professionals do each year. World Veterinary Day takes place every year on the last Saturday in April.2
Each year the theme changes and it is usually a reflection on the main clinical concerns and topics of the year. For example, last year’s theme was “veterinary response to the COVID-19 crisis.”2
With the recent crises plaguing the world today, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, people in general have faced great adversities. And in the veterinary profession, stress, burnout and other mental health issues have increased in recent years.1
Before veterinarians can properly care for their patients, they need the proper tools and support to maintain their health and well-being. The World Veterinary Day theme highlights that “resilient veterinarians are better equipped to deal with the daily challenges and crises that may arise in their practice,” according to a WVA press release.1
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is excited about this year’s theme because it believes USDA veterinarians have done much to show their resilience, according to a press release. “Whether responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, inspecting livestock and poultry slaughter facilities, or combatting animal health threats like recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza, USDA veterinarians are on the front lines protecting public and animal health every day.3
To honor resilient veterinarians, the WVA is also hosting the World Veterinary Award for all WVA associations that exemplify this year’s theme.1 The WVA began awarding an award to accompany the celebration of World Veterinary Day in 2008. Associations can apply or nominate a veterinary association that best promotes the theme by May 30, 2022. More information on the Eligibility and criteria for the World Veterinary Day Award are available. on the WVA website.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) won last year’s award for “its immediate response to the pandemic” and the development of an “online COVID-19 resource center that was put together for first time available to veterinarians around the world in February 2020.”2
According to a press release from the organization, the WVA states that resilience “requires appropriate support from associations, institutions and governments to ensure adequate education, training, mentoring and collegiality. It also requires continued research to better understand the mental and physical burden veterinarians face and opportunities to provide better support.1 The WVA looks forward to celebrating the “efforts of veterinarians, veterinary associations and others to build veterinary resilience and draw attention to this important cause.”1 on the occasion of this year’s World Veterinary Day.
The references
- World Veterinary Day 2022 – theme announcement. Press release. World Veterinary Association. March 1, 2022. Accessed April 29, 2022. https://worldvet.org/news/world-veterinary-day-2022-theme-announcement/
- World Veterinary Day 2022 focuses on strengthening veterinary resilience. Press release. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 17, 2022. Accessed April 29, 2022. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-joins-world-veterinary-association-highlight-importance-wellbeing-world
- Recognizing the resilience of USDA veterinarians this World Veterinary Day. Press release. US Department of Agriculture. April 27, 2022. Accessed April 29, 2022. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/04/27/recognizing-resilience-usda-veterinarians-world-veterinary-day