AVMA Celebrates World Veterinary Day

Tom McPheron
Phone: 847-285-6781
Cell: 773-494-5419
e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2009

Schaumburg, IL

— World Veterinary Day, April 25, 2009, celebrates the important relationship between veterinarians and livestock farmers.

“This year’s theme, ‘Veterinarians and Livestock Farmers: a winning partnership,’ highlights a discipline of veterinary medicine the AVMA is dedicated to 365 days a year,” said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, DVM, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “In a little more than a year, the AVMA has created numerous resources to enhance the public’s knowledge and appreciation of the vital role of veterinarians work with livestock farmers and the many safeguards to animal and human health that have emerged as a result of that work.”

The AVMA Web page, www.avma.org/fsvm, was created to help bolster the ranks of practitioners in food supply veterinary medicine. Information on the page is geared toward various stakeholders, including practitioners, veterinary colleges, and state and industry associations. It also informs the public, government officials, and media about the importance of veterinarians in maintaining a wholesome food supply.

A key component of the Web page is a series of maps for every state that pinpoint the counties with few or no food animal veterinarians. The maps also show populations of food animals at the county level. The page links to studies, statistics, and media coverage relevant to the demand for veterinarians in food supply medicine. A new Web site, www.keepourfoodsafe.org and podcast series, “Chew on this,” are designed to answer questions the general public has on food safety.

“Everyday, the AVMA is committed to educating the public about the vital role of veterinarians in public health,” Dr. DeHaven said. “But it is with special pride that we join with the World Veterinary Association and the World Organization for Animal Health in honoring work of our colleagues around the globe on World Veterinary Day,” Dr. DeHaven said.

“Veterinarians have made many advances in animal health and food safety,” said AVMA President, Dr. James O. Cook.

“There has been a decline in the prevalence of food borne pathogens, including Salmonella, associated with meat and poultry and the resistance of those organisms,” said Dr. Cook.

“Every community in the world, whether they own pets or raise livestock, relies on the expertise and professionalism of veterinarians to improve the world in which we live,” said Dr. DeHaven.

For more information about the vital role veterinarians play in the health of animals and people visit,www.avma.org.