Veterinarians in U.S. Congress want to honor 2011 as World Veterinary Year

Washington

-- U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.), both veterinarians, introduced resolutions July 15 in the House and Senate designating 2011 as “World Veterinary Year.”

World Veterinary Year was conceived to honor veterinary medicine's 250-year history. The first veterinary school was founded in Lyon, France, in 1761 by Claude Bourgelat.

The celebration is being supported by numerous veterinary organizations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Events to commemorate World Veterinary Year, also dubbed Vet 2011, already are planned across the globe throughout next year and include festivities like a one-day symposium at the 2011 AVMA meeting in St. Louis.

"Veterinarians have always been an integral part of their communities and expected to be community leaders," says Schrader in a statement on the resolutions

“Historically, veterinarians have been the most qualified health professionals to help us deal with zoonotic diseases, bioterrorism, comparative medicine and food safety issues on the front lines and through research and scientific innovation. This resolution recognizes and brings attention to the important roles veterinarians have played for more than 250 years.”

"As the Senate's only veterinarian, it's important that we recognize the important role that the veterinary profession plays in our lives,” Ensign adds. "Many people in my state and across the country view their pets as important members of their families, and look to their veterinarians to ensure that their animals live long, healthy lives. Also, veterinarians play an integral role in food safety. For this reason, I have asked the Senate to officially bring attention to and show appreciation for the veterinary profession by declaring 2011 as 'World Veterinary Year.'"

For more information about specific Vet 2011 events and members, visit vet2011.org.