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Opinion & Comment: World Animal Week
Posted by: JimEdwards on Oct 04, 2007 - 02:44 PM
animalwelfare
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The World Veterinary Association marks World Animal Week by reflecting on the services that veterinarians provide to animals around the World. By definition, a veterinarian is an animal doctor and that is still what we are primarily recognized as, despite our wider contributions to society, especially in the provision of safe food.
Veterinarians care for the health and welfare of all animals and provide these services to animal owners and managers around the World.
Animals kept for companionship and recreation provide enormous benefits for their owners, especially for those who have little contact with other animals or people. Having the company of, and caring for, another living being has benefits for psychological health and self esteem of the person involved. In these days of ever increasing urbanization, the companionship of animals is invaluable. Animals are treated as an important member of the family and often in the community in which they live.
Animals are a very important source of protein and other products necessary for human health and welfare. Veterinary care for the health and welfare of these animals is very important for food security and food safety. The provision of a veterinary service to all these animals is important, not only to the animals, but also represents the most important veterinary contribution to society.
The World Veterinary Association supports the international networking of veterinarians around the World. Communication between veterinarians helps share expertise and provide support for colleagues. Networking helps manage the risk of spread of diseases, not only those affecting animals but also those that have the potential to affect humans too.
Dr Jim Edwards, Editor
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