Latest news with #WorldVeterinaryDay
IOL News
24-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
‘It's not vets alone who are saving rhinos'
With World Veterinary Day and Save the Rhino Day commemorated recently, this is an opportune time to reflect on the efforts of conservation teams, including veterinarians, to combat the scourge of rhino poaching. There are five rhino species in the world, two of which occur in Africa: black and white. South Africa is the stronghold for the white rhino. There are said to be between 10 000 and 15 000 rhinos in the country, yet despite this large number, about 10 000 rhinos have been lost to poaching over the past 15 years, all for their horns. Rhino horn is a sought-after commodity in many parts of Asia, especially China. Having lost about half of our rhino population, it may seem that we are not making headway in our efforts to save these animals. However, it is worth noting that poaching numbers have been declining: in 2014, more than 1 200 rhinos were killed, while last year, 400 were lost to poaching. Rhinos are generally healthy animals, with relatively few diseases and disorders, and vets are seldom required to attend to them, especially on larger farms or reserves. However, the threat of poaching has led to many farmers keeping their rhinos in smaller, better-protected areas, commonly known as intensive protection zones (IPZs). Keeping the animals in smaller spaces has resulted in a higher risk of disease, parasites, nutritional problems and fighting among rhinos, causing injuries. Despite this, the benefits of keeping the animals safe in the IPZs far outweigh the negatives. While poaching mostly leads to the death of rhinos, in some cases, the animals may survive the brutal act of their horns being hacked off and require urgent veterinary attention. Vets also play a role in caring for dependent calves that have lost their mother or father to poachers. These calves are frequently injured, either by the poachers or by predators or scavengers, and are also often dehydrated, as they are unable to suckle, sometimes for a few days. These calves cannot fend for themselves and require a long period of rehabilitation at special rhino orphanages. Veterinary care at these orphanages is essential, especially during the initial few days of captivity. For effective veterinary care to take place, a rhino first needs to be safely captured and immobilised. In South Africa, only veterinarians are allowed to dart and chemically immobilise rhinos (and other species). This procedure is not only critical for the treatment of sick and injured animals, but is the key ingredient to so many other conservation efforts. It is thus imperative that the art and science of rhino capture is of the highest standard, and that sound research forms the basis of our knowledge, ensuring the health and welfare of individual rhinos and populations. Removing the horn of rhinos removes the appeal for poachers. With safe capture methods in place, vets can effectively dehorn rhinos; this involves removing the horn from a living rhino without causing any major detrimental effects to it. Dehorning is effective in reducing and even preventing poaching. Safe capture methods also ensure that rhinos can be translocated to areas where there is a low risk of poaching. While the efforts of veterinarians to dehorn rhinos and relocate them to safe havens have a positive impact, it is not only veterinarians who are saving rhinos — entire teams of professionals are involved in conservation efforts. Perhaps the single most important group involved are the rhino owners. With every rhino poached, they bear the financial loss and emotional trauma of keeping these animals in their care and protection. Many government reserves do a fantastic job of keeping our rhinos safe. Often, the success of these reserves lies in strategic partnerships with conservation organisations. Rhino protection without boots on the ground will not deliver results, and the anti-poaching teams that spend long hours in the field, under less-than-ideal conditions, protecting rhinos from skilled and ruthless poachers, also deserve credit for their role. The caretakers in charge of rehabilitation at rhino orphanages are equally critical role players – it takes a special kind of person to try to save an orphan that has little chance of survival. Helicopter pilots who get teams in the field back home safely, concerned citizens, volunteers and donors are also part of this ecosystem of conservation. Only once we haven't lost a single rhino to poaching, without the need to dehorn them, can we say that we have won this war. We are far from that. Until then, we can all play our part. Dr Jacques O'Dell, specialist wildlife veterinarian and senior lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not represent the official stance or policies of the University of Pretoria.
Daily News Egypt
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Health Minister urges unified ‘One Health' strategy on World Veterinary Day
Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, marked World Veterinary Day on Saturday by calling for stronger integration of human, animal, and environmental health systems under the 'One Health' approach. Speaking at a national event themed 'A Unified System for Sustainable Development' and organized by the Egyptian Veterinary Syndicate, Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of veterinarians to public health, animal welfare, and environmental protection. The event was attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, local governors, and international representatives, including delegations from the UAE and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 'Veterinarians are not just protectors of animal health—they are vital defenders of human health and environmental sustainability,' said Abdel Ghaffar, aligning with this year's global theme, 'Animal Health Requires a Team.' Citing World Health Organization (WHO) data, the minister noted that roughly 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic—transmitted from animals to humans—underscoring the need for coordinated, cross-sectoral disease control strategies. He pointed to Egypt's progress in operationalizing the 'One Health' concept, particularly through the establishment of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in 2011. The center coordinates veterinary, epidemiological, and environmental surveillance efforts in partnership with the ministries of health, agriculture, and environment. Abdel Ghaffar also introduced Egypt's National One Health Strategic Framework (2023–2027), developed in collaboration with WHO and FAO. The framework targets key health threats including zoonotic disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and climate-related health risks, such as the spread of vector-borne diseases. 'Including veterinarians in pandemic preparedness and response plans is no longer optional—it's essential,' he stressed. He also emphasized the role of veterinary experts in early disease detection, food safety assurance, and epidemic control. The minister praised the work of Egyptian veterinary laboratories supporting the National Food Safety Authority, particularly in monitoring poultry, red meat, dairy, and fish. Referencing WHO statistics, he noted that foodborne diseases affect 1 in 10 people worldwide each year, leading to over 420,000 deaths. Abdel Ghaffar concluded by calling for deeper inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral collaboration to institutionalize the 'One Health' model through practical policies, capacity-building, and international partnerships.
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first university vet hospital opens in Ibra
Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) on Thursday inaugurated the first veterinary hospital in Oman affiliated with an academic institution, at A'Sharqiyah University (ASU), in celebration of World Veterinary Day. H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources presided over the inauguration ceremony in Ibra. The state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in veterinary education and healthcare in the sultanate. The hospital aims to raise public awareness, improve animal health, and enhance collaboration between academic and scientific institutions through the exchange of expertise and information. A'Sharqiyah University is the first university in Oman to introduce veterinary medicine as a specialisation, with the first batch of students expected to graduate in the 2025/2026 academic year. Equipped with advanced medical laboratories, diagnostic and treatment rooms, surgical theatres for both routine and complex procedures, as well as educational and therapeutic pens, the hospital has already begun receiving cases and performing microsurgical operations. It also serves as a training hub for veterinary students, providing a comprehensive learning environment. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, highlighted the ministry's broader efforts to strengthen the sector. He said over 2.4mn livestock have been vaccinated, benefiting more than 192,000 breeders, while early field surveys are being conducted to detect poultry diseases and protect national investments and exports. He noted that the Central Animal Health Laboratory has been upgraded under international twinning programmes, ensuring accurate diagnostics and robust health controls at border crossings. The ministry currently operates 69 government veterinary clinics, 41 mobile units, and oversees 477 licensed private veterinary facilities. Additionally, 486 licences for veterinary professionals and 14 for auxiliary staff have been issued or renewed after thorough academic and field evaluation.
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first vet hospital opens in North Sharqiyah
Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) on Thursday inaugurated the first veterinary hospital in Oman affiliated with an academic institution, at A'Sharqiyah University (ASU), in celebration of World Veterinary Day. H E Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources presided over the inauguration ceremony in Ibra. The state-of-the-art facility marks a milestone in veterinary education and healthcare in the sultanate. The hospital aims to raise public awareness, improve animal health, and enhance collaboration between academic and scientific institutions through the exchange of expertise and information. A'Sharqiyah University is the first university in Oman to introduce veterinary medicine as a specialisation, with the first batch of students expected to graduate in the 2025/2026 academic year. Equipped with advanced medical laboratories, diagnostic and treatment rooms, surgical theatres for both routine and complex procedures, as well as educational and therapeutic pens, the hospital has already begun receiving cases and performing microsurgical operations. It also serves as a training hub for veterinary students, providing a comprehensive learning environment. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, highlighted the ministry's broader efforts to strengthen the sector. He said over 2.4mn livestock have been vaccinated, benefiting more than 192,000 breeders, while early field surveys are being conducted to detect poultry diseases and protect national investments and exports. He noted that the Central Animal Health Laboratory has been upgraded under international twinning programmes, ensuring accurate diagnostics and robust health controls at border crossings. The ministry currently operates 69 government veterinary clinics, 41 mobile units, and oversees 477 licensed private veterinary facilities. Additionally, 486 licences for veterinary professionals and 14 for auxiliary staff have been issued or renewed after thorough academic and field evaluation.
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
World Veterinary Day honours New Zealand's dedicated vet teams
They are also there at the toughest times, when people have to say goodbye to a beloved pet or when farmers are dealing with disease outbreaks. And it's always a team effort. 'Animal health takes a team' was the theme of this year's World Veterinary Day. It is important to shine a spotlight on the dynamic nature of veterinary services, which require co-operation and collaboration across various fields of expertise to address the diverse challenges in animal health and care. Veterinarians, vet nurses, vet technicians, clinic and hospital managers, among many others, are critical elements of animal health services, and in New Zealand, government and industry vets also have a vital role in animal welfare. In clinics and on farms, the whole team deals with big responsibilities and long hours to meet the needs of patients and their owners. As a result of this pressure, burnout is not uncommon. There are shortages of new graduates and experienced vets and other staff, particularly in rural areas. The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has been working to support vets since 1923, and we also work closely with the representatives of vet nurses and other professionals. We provide resources and support for the mental and physical wellbeing of our members. We offer professional development and continuing education and career support from entry level to retirement and work to maintain high ethical standards. The NZVA has a focus on improving retention and recruitment, mentoring and coaching. While different vet team members have different roles, they all turn up every day because they are committed to animal health. And healthy animals mean healthier communities. This is expressed in the concept of One Health, acknowledging that animal health, human health and the health of the environment are inextricably linked. In the early 2000s, the One Health concept was envisaged and implemented by the World Organisation for Animal Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN. The aim was to create a collaborative global approach to understanding and mitigating the combined risks to human health, animal health and ecosystem health. A classic example of the critical importance of this is the origins of the SARS-Cov-2 global pandemic. An animal disease became a spill-over zoonotic event due to an environment that put infected animals and susceptible humans in close contact. Veterinary professionals' position in communities provides them a unique opportunity to become key One Health influencers. They have particular knowledge regarding animal health, animal welfare, zoonoses, biosecurity, food security and food safety and the ability to use that for the betterment of animal, human and environmental health. Your vet and team therefore have a role to play in your wellbeing, as well as that of your pets or livestock, and in the economy of our country.
