On World Veterinary Day, April 30, the World Organisation for Animal Health pays tribute to the crucial role played by veterinarians in protecting global health.

Related: $4.4 million available for veterinary loan repayment

This year, the event focuses on the opportunities for veterinarians to continue their training and extend their expertise in areas related to the ‘One Health’ concept. To achieve this, World Veterinary Day promotes collaboration with the human health sector in the coverage of issues such as zoonoses, food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

World Veterinary Day this year focuses on continued training of veterinarians. (Photo: dusanpetkovic/Thinkstock)

In this era of globalization, the emergence and re-emergence of unforeseen health crises is accelerating. It is estimated that five new infectious human diseases appear each year, three of which are zoonotic. The recent Ebola epidemic, as well as the appalling number of human deaths caused by rabies each year, is a remorseless reminder of the strong links between human health, animal health and the environment, and thus the need to adopt cross-sector approaches, as illustrated by the ‘One Health’ concept.

In protecting the health and welfare of animals, veterinarians contribute to the protecting the health of humans.

Related: USDA loans help tackle rural vet shortage

All countries depend on the performance of their national veterinary services, in their public and private components, not only to successfully control these diseases but also to tackle food safety issues, and to effectively control and prevent any biological disasters.

Source: World Organisation for Animal Health