Dr Parveen Kumar
Indian is an agrarian economy and its livestock sector is one of the largest in the world. Animal husbandry is an important component of the economy of the country. Infact this sector is the key driver of rural Indian economy and acts as crucial insurance against the vagaries of crop failure, providing round the year income and wholesome food. India is the largest producer of milk globally with 23.67 percent share in total milk production in the world. In India, about 50 percent of milk is consumed on-farm. Dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity contributing 5 percent of the Indian national economy and employing more than 8 crore farmers directly. Livestock provides livelihood to landless laborers and marginal farmers which own the bulk of livestock. It is reported that livestock seems to have an influence in overcoming the severity of suicidal trend among the Indian farmers by up to 79 percent. Livestock is considered a sign of wealth as the farmers who own livestock are found to be economically better than others. For households with scare land and other resources, the utility of livestock as a provider of livelihood opportunities is far greater for them. Goat and sheep are known as the poor men’s cow or bank on hooves which survive with least resources. Livestock help improves food and nutritional security by providing nutrient-rich food products, generate income and employment and act as a cushion against crop failure, provide draught power and manure inputs to the crop subsector, and contribute to foreign exchange through exports. Entrusted with the responsibility of taking care of this vital sector are the veterinarians.
Veterinarians all over the world are responsible for protecting the production of animals, poultry, and aquaculture industries directly, and the public indirectly, through the prevention, early detection, containment, and eradication of economically important animal species. They have since time immorial; as animal health practitioners taking care and advocating animal health and welfare, and infact have been safeguarding our environment for future generations. The actions of Veterinarians have not only saved so many lives but have helped mitigate the effects of climate change, ensure proper disposal of medicines, and support responsible use of natural resources (e.g. water and feed) necessary in raising livestock. To acknowledge their contribution and to highlight their efforts towards the well being and health of precious animal resources, world Vertinary day is being celebrated all over the world an fourth Saturday of every April. The motive of the celebration is to highlight the lives and the hard work carried by the veterinarians all over the world.
History of World Vertinary Day: Back in 1863, Professor John Gamgee of the Veterinary College of Edinburgh invited veterinarians from Europe to attend a meeting. The meeting was about epizootic diseases and a discussion of possible preventive measures. This congress became a World Veterinary Congress. In 1906, at the 8th World Veterinary Congress, the members formed the Permanent Committee whose aim was to serve as an organizational link between congresses. Then, at the 15th Congress in Stockholm, the Permanent Committee and the members saw the need for an international organization and constitution.
Hence, on the next Congress in 1959 held in Madrid, the World Veterinary Association was established. The mission of the World Veterinary Association is to focus on animal health and welfare as well as on the environment and public health. The chosen date for World Veterinary Day holds a special significance. It coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
This joint commemoration beautifully underscores the collaborative efforts of veterinarians across the globe in protecting both animal and public health. The WVA strategically established a yearly theme for World Veterinary Day. This theme serves to highlight a specific facet of veterinary medicine, raising awareness about its importance and showcasing the diverse roles veterinarians play. Nowadays, the World Veterinary Association collaborated with other prominent organization, such as OIE, WHO, and FAO. In 2001, the World Veterinary Association established that there will be a ‘World Veterinary Day’ celebrated on the last Saturday of April. This year the World Vertinary Day thus falls on April 27 which happens to be the last Saturday of April month. The aim of the World Veterinary Day is to promote the veterinary profession and work on improvement of the animal and human welfare, the environment, food safety, and practices of animal transport and quarantine.
Theme: Each year, there is a different theme of this day. For instance, the first theme of the World Veterinary Association was ‘Rabies’ in an aim to raise public awareness about vaccinating and spaying dogs as well as preventing rabies. Later on the World Veterinary Association together with the World Organization for Animal Health decided that there should be a World Veterinary Day Award. This practice started in 2008 and its goal is to reward the best contribution to the veterinary profession. The Kenya Veterinary Association was the first to receive this award. In 2019 the theme of World Vertinary Day was ‘Value of Vaccination’. The World Veterinary Day theme for 2024 is, ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’, emphasizes their crucial role not only in animal health but also in preventing Zoonotic diseases and other types of illnesses transferable between animals and humans.
World Veterinary Day is one day of the year completely dedicated to the lovely people that have decided to dedicate their lives to the love, health, and well-being of the animals on this planet. On this day let all of us also commit ourselves to the cause of these lovely creatures who cannot tell us what their problem is. It is also a day dedicated to recognize the efforts of veterinarians all over the world and gives us an opportunity to highlight the importance of veterinarians in maintaining the health and welfare of animals and humans. The day thus also carries a broader significance of promoting animal welfare worldwide.
(The author writes on agriculture and social issues).
