Veterinarians play crucial role in protecting global health

MEDIA RELEASE

29 April 2015

Veterinarians play crucial role in protecting global health - World Vet Day 2016

Agcarm endorses World Veterinary Day held on 30 April, created to highlight the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians around the globe.

The theme for World Veterinary Day 2016 is continuing education with a one health focus.

Veterinarians play a crucial role in protecting global health. In all areas of the profession, they have opportunities and responsibilities to improve the health and welfare of animals, and therefore, to improve the health of humans.

The World Organisation for Animal Health estimates that five new infectious human diseases emerge each year, of which three are zoonotic (shared between people and animals). The strong links existing between the health of people, animals and the environment is demonstrated in diseases such as Ebola and rabies.

In the current era of globalisation, all countries depend on the performance of their veterinarians, not only to successfully control these diseases, but also to tackle food safety issues and to effectively prevent and control any biological disasters. Therefore, veterinarians should be well trained to preserve animal health and welfare, as well as to tackle public health issues.

On a global level, collaboration and coordination between veterinarians and physicians are fundamental to prevent disease.

In New Zealand veterinarians have a critical role to play in ensuring the wellbeing of our livestock, family pets and the role that animals play in our communities. Our biosecurity systems are reliant on veterinarians for disease surveillance and responding to potential new incursions.

About Agcarm

Agcarm is the industry association of companies which manufacture, distribute and sell products that keep animals healthy and crops thriving. Member companies are committed to ensuring that these products are used safely, effectively and sustainably

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