Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health
World Veterinary Day is observed every year on the last Saturday of April (this year, April 25). Veterinarians ensure that animal-derived food is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. They help prevent zoonotic diseases (such as avian flu, rabies, and, most recently, COVID). In an increasingly interconnected world, veterinarians serve as essential actors in strengthening resilience and sustainability. Animals constitute about one-quarter of Earth’s species, with invertebrates forming the overwhelming majority. Ancient Indian scriptures emphasise respect, compassion, and spiritual interconnectedness with animals. Though India’s veterinary education system is expanding, the student intake remains modest compared to medicine or engineering. Compassion from humans toward animals is not just an ethical choice; it is a force that shapes biodiversity, sustainability, and even human well-being. Compassion for animals protects humans, too. Veterinarians safeguard both lives.
From farm to fork, veterinarians are on the frontline of ensuring that food of animal origin is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. Their services underpin sustainable food systems, prevent zoonotic diseases, and combat antimicrobial resistance.
World Veterinary Association
World Veterinary Day is observed every year on the last Saturday of April (April 25, this year). Started in the year 2000 due to the initiative of the “World Veterinary Association”. This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”, highlights the vital role veterinarians play in ensuring food safety, public health, and sustainable food systems worldwide. Veterinarians ensure that animal-derived food is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. They help prevent zoonotic diseases (such as avian flu, rabies, and, most recently, COVID) and combat antimicrobial resistance. It is an occasion to recognise and honour veterinarians’ contributions to animal health, food safety, and global well-being.
Let us celebrate veterinarians everywhere for their dedication, compassion, and commitment
to building a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world.
Public perception often limits veterinarians to “pet doctors,” overlooking their systemic role in food and health. Beyond clinical practice, veterinary services underpin sustainable food systems and contribute to global health security. In an increasingly interconnected world—where emerging diseases, climate pressures, and economic volatility challenge food systems—veterinarians serve as essential actors in strengthening resilience and sustainability.
Animals constitute about one-quarter of Earth’s species, with invertebrates forming the overwhelming majority. While humans often focus on mammals and birds, the unseen diversity of insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates represents the bulk of animal life. The oceans are the largest reservoir of animal diversity (about 25%).
Ancient Indian scriptures emphasise deep respect, compassion, and spiritual interconnectedness with animals, portraying them as sacred beings with souls and as integral parts of the cosmic order. Many animals, such as cows, elephants, and monkeys, are revered in Indian society.
You must not use your God-given body for killing God’s creatures, whether they are human or animal.
Yajur Veda
The First Royal Veterinary School was established in Lyon, France, in 1762. Edinburgh hosted the first International Veterinary Congress in 1863. The World Veterinary Association was formally established in Madrid in 1959. Veterinary officials are professionals working in public veterinary services, often within government agencies, international organisations, and regulatory bodies. Unlike private practitioners who focus on clinical care for pets or livestock, veterinary officials safeguard public health, food safety, and animal welfare at a systemic level. India has around 27 veterinary colleges offering UG, PG and doctoral programs. Thousands of students get enrolled each year. Though India’s veterinary education system is expanding, the student intake remains modest compared to medicine or engineering. Globally, over 100 universities offer veterinary science programs, with leading institutions such as the Royal Veterinary College (London) and UC Davis (USA) attracting large international cohorts.
Healthy animals create a healthier world.
Animals often hide signs of illness to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. This makes it seem like they rarely get sick. Many conditions (parasites, infections, nutritional deficiencies) progress quietly until they become severe. Zoonotic Risks, making veterinary care essential. Veterinarians are trained to detect subtle signs of illness that animals themselves cannot communicate.
Balancing Compassion and Protection.
Compassion from humans toward animals is not just an ethical choice; it is a force that shapes biodiversity, sustainability, and even human well-being. Human compassion toward animals is more than kindness—it is a pillar of One Health, linking animal well-being to human health and environmental balance. By practising compassion, societies honour ancient wisdom while addressing modern challenges of food security, public health, and sustainability. What is needed is Compassionate Care, Not Neglect. Compassion and protection are not opposites—they are complementary duties.
Compassion for animals protects humans, too.
Veterinarians safeguard both lives.
Toons: Shreya
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
