AVA celebrates the essential contribution of veterinarians on World Veterinary Day

We invite you to take a moment and enjoy our video, which is a testament to the dedication and impact of our profession. The AVA thanks our members, who have amplified our message with their voices. 

Saturday 27 April 2024 is World Veterinary Day – a celebration of veterinarians and their contributions to animals, people, and the environment. This year's global theme is 'Veterinarians as essential health workers.'  

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) President Dr Diana Barker said, "Vets were recognised as essential health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a day to celebrate and continue to recognise the work, contribution, value and resilience of veterinarians all around our country."  

The AVA celebrates Australian vets and highlights the essential and integral work of vets in the social fabric, health and resilience of Australian communities. The application of veterinary science contributes not only to animal health and wellbeing but also to human physical, mental and social wellbeing. "This dimension of a veterinarian's work often remains invisible to society, but protecting and improving the health of people and their communities is an essential part of the veterinary profession", Dr Barker said. 

Veterinarians provide critical services for the care and treatment of all species of animals, including companion animals, equine, wildlife, aquatic animals and livestock. They are pivotal in contributing to public health and biosecurity systems – of the utmost importance at present times. Equally essential is the broader veterinary industry, including veterinary nurses, laboratories, pharmaceutical and equipment suppliers and other allied services whose support ensures veterinarians can continue performing their essential work. 

The services provided by veterinary practitioners, consultants, regulators, and food safety experts are instrumental in ensuring the continuity of food supply and product integrity in the livestock supply chain. This is particularly evident in response policies for other emergency contexts, such as recent Australian bushfires and floods. The significant role of vets in surveillance for exotic diseases which could devastate our economy if introduced (such as Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever), cannot be overstated. 

Companion animals, including pets and horses, are not just pets, but integral members of Australian families. They contribute to human health (lowering morbidity from cardiovascular diseases) and significantly reduce national spending on health care. Their role in the mental health of their owners, especially for isolated or vulnerable members of our community, is invaluable.  

Veterinarians also have a specific role in public health, assessing and interpreting the role of animals in COVID-19 and providing surveillance for other potential zoonoses, such as Hendra virus in horses.  

The AVA celebrates the essential contribution of all Australian veterinarians on World Veterinary Day.