The Role of the Veterinarian
Copyright European Commission/OIE - www.vetsinyourdailylife.org
Think about some famous veterinarians. Which names come to mind? Veterinarians, such as Hugh Lofting’s Doctor Dolittle and James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, may be well known in popular culture; however, veterinary professionals are rarely recognized for the vital, valuable, and varied work they perform, and the important role they play in all our lives.
The year 2011 marks the World Veterinary Year, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the world’s first veterinary school in Lyon, France, in 1761. Though the veterinary profession is as old as humankind’s relationship with animals for food, travel, draft power and comfort, the founding of this school marks a moment of recognition for the strong ties between animal and human health and welfare. Veterinarians have had a profound and lasting effect on the growth and betterment of human society by improving animal health and welfare; by tending to animals wellbeing on a daily basis; by combating emerging, exotic, and food borne diseases; by safeguarding food safety and food security; by advancing medical knowledge and techniques; and by maintaining animal welfare standards. The concept of betterment of human health and wellbeing through care for animals is known as veterinary public health.
