Dr. Khrisamhazo Rhetso
Publicity & Information Secretary Nagaland Veterinarians Association
World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of every April. This year the World Veterinary Day will be observed on April 28. World Veterinary Day was created to promote and highlight various lifesaving work performed by Veterinarians around the globe. The World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) confer the World Veterinary Day Award for the best contribution to the annual theme by a World Veterinary Association (WVA) member association working alone or with other Veterinarian groups.
The theme of World Veterinary Day 2018 is, “The role of the Veterinary profession in Sustainable Development to improve Livelihoods, Food security, and Safety.”
A large part of the world population lives in rural areas where animals are indispensable for their livelihood and access to food.Many farmers in these areas depend on animals as their main source of income. For numerous households, animals are also the best means to preserve the necessary resources to cope with agricultural crisis, to exit poverty, or to help to keep the soil fertile and provide traction for ploughing and transport.
It is estimated that the world population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050 and the demand for animal protein and by-products will grow respectively. By preventing and controlling animal diseases, veterinarians play a crucial role in securing sufficient and safe high quality food, improving the health and welfare of people and animals. They contribute to ensure the existence of sufficient resources for future generations bysupporting the development of sustainable, responsible and efficient livestock production systems.
Furthermore, the Veterinary profession is responsible for the control and inspection of animal products at all stages “From Farm to Fork” to guarantee safe food to the world population. It all positively impacts a wide range of employment fields that deliver services for the benefit of society and all animals.
These activities will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty, zero hunger, good health and economic growth.
“Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, a rabbit person or a horse person, there is one thing all animal lovers can agree on, and that is the fantastic work carried out by Veterinarians. Celebrate your pet on World Veterinary Day by buying them a treat or a new toy to show them how much they mean to you as you appreciate the work Veterinarians do to keep pets healthy. On this special day, why not raise a paw, hoof or claw to say thank you to our Veterinarians.”
The Nagaland Veterinarians Association appreciates the commitment and dedicated service rendered and on this auspicious day salutes all the Veterinarians across the state.
