World Veterinary Day (WVD) will take place globally on 29 April 2017.This event aims to highlight and promote the different facets of the work performed by veterinarians all over the world and to raise awareness on their contribution to improve animal health and welfare, as well as public health. Each year, a different topic is selected by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which are at the initiative of this event. This year’s theme is ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE – FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION. [Source: World Veterinary Association]
The availability and use of antimicrobial drugs has transformed the practice of human and animal medicine. Infections that were once lethal are now treatable, and the use of antimicrobial agents has advanced global health as well as animal health, which is a key component of animal welfare, food security and safety.
Safeguarding the efficacy of these life-saving medications, as well as their availability and effectiveness for both human and veterinary use, is essential to preserve our future. However, overuse and misuse of these drugs in humans, animals and plants sectors has dramatically accelerated the emergence of resistance to antimicrobials.
Veterinary Services including veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals have a key part to play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, through their role in regulating and supervising the use of antimicrobials, offering professional advice to farmers and animal owners and collaborating with the human health sector.
To continue to progress in disease control management and in improving animal welfare, veterinarians need to encourage and achieve a sustainable change in behaviour towards a responsible and prudent antimicrobial use.