Veterinarians celebrated on World Veterinary Day

24 Apr 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the important and essential role that veterinarians play in the areas of biosecurity, food security and the health and welfare of animals – and the broader benefit this has to our society, especially during this challenging time.

This 25 April, we celebrate World Veterinary Day 2020 and the invaluable work that veterinarians do in Australia on the frontline contributing to the health and welfare of animals and society.

Veterinarians are a constant presence in our communities - both city and regional. Through their provision of veterinary health care and advice, vets are supporting not only our animals, but the people whose lives are closely involved with animals - whether as pets, livestock or wildlife.

As an essential service, veterinarians have been able to quickly adapt during these challenging times to continue providing veterinary care to ensure the health and welfare of our animals.

“Throughout the long bushfire season, and now in this pandemic, veterinarians across the country continue to provide healthcare to all animals and a friendly ear to those who care for them. The value of veterinarians has been felt by all in our society”, said AVA President, Dr Julia Crawford.

Veterinarians are advocates of One Health - the collaborative approach to achieving optimal health outcomes recognising the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Veterinarians know that environmental, human and animal health are inextricably linked, and that negative changes to our environment will ultimately harm ourselves and the animals we share this earth with.

“As the leaders in animal health and welfare, veterinarians are vital to enhancing the health and welfare of Australia’s animals. Veterinarians play an important and often unseen role, in detecting animal disease, public health and protecting Australia’s favourable disease-free status, ensuring the safety of the food we eat, undertaking scientific research, investigating diseases that can spread from animals to humans and combatting antimicrobial resistance”, said Dr Crawford.

On this World Veterinary Day 2020 we acknowledge and celebrate the vital role veterinarians play in our society. Our animals may not be able to speak, but on their behalf, we thank vets for the care and compassion they provide to animals every day.

For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on 0439 628 898 or media@ava.com.au.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national association representing veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 9000 members working in all areas of animal science, health, and welfare.