The World Veterinary Association (WVA) established World Veterinary Day in 2000 as an annual celebration of the veterinary profession, falling on the last Saturday of April. The WVA partnered with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) two years ago to create the World Veterinary Day Award for the most successful celebration by a national veterinary association working alone or in cooperation with other veterinary groups.
In 2009, the Nepal Veterinary Association won the $1,000 award for best promoting the theme 'Veterinarians and livestock farmers, a winning partnership.'
Concerns
Many other organisations around the globe also marked World Veterinary Day in 2009. The AVMA publicised the occasion in the US, noting concerns about a shortage of US practitioners working in food supply veterinary medicine.
The 2010 World Veterinary Day Award will recognise the national veterinary association that best promotes the 'One World, One Health' theme by involving stakeholders in World Veterinary Day. The deadline for national associations to apply for the award is May 1.
Related websites:
• World Veterinary Association (WVA)
• World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
• Nepal Veterinary Association
