VETERINARIANS ARE ESSENTIAL HEALTH WORKERS
Khumtya Debbarma
PhD Scholar, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Ghy-22, Assam, India
Email:- khumtyadebbarma999@gmail.com
Introduction:
World Veterinary Day (WVD) is observed annually on the last Saturday in April on a global scale; in 2024, it falls on April 27. The World Veterinary Association (WVA), which is a representative group of veterinary associations and organizations, has proposed the theme for the WVD. By working with the international organizations of Health (WHO), Food and Agriculture (FAO), and Animal Health (WOAH/OIE), the body truly advances the goal of the ONE HEALTH. Through highlighting the connections between animal welfare, human health, and the environment, WVA primarily aims to raise awareness of the veterinary profession and highlight its significance in maintaining everyone’s health, food security and safety, and economy. Due to their nature and diversity of the clientele, veterinarians (Vets) need to be extremely adaptable and resilient in order to provide profitable, diverse, and cutting-edge services. Their job description encompasses far more than just managing animal healthcare. Since 2021, World Veterinary Day (WVD) has been observed annually to raise awareness of the veterinary profession, its practitioners, and their role in society. The World Veterinary Day Award was established annually since 2008 by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to recognize the work of veterinarians worldwide.
The opportunity to recognize and honor the work done by veterinarians, veterinary associations, and other relevant parties is presented by this year’s WVD-2024 theme, “Veterinarians are essential healthcare workers.” The importance of the vets’ work makes it significant for their position in the healthcare system, as the subject makes evident. In the modern world, where everyone lives on a global scale, a veterinarian’s duties extend far beyond prevention and cure. Although this function is less acknowledged in society, veterinarians play a significant part in preserving and improving human and environmental health as well as prosperity. Veterinarians generally contribute significantly to the economy, animal food safety and security, human and environmental health, and animal welfare.
Veterinarians as healthcare workers:
Animal health is the primary service provided by veterinarians. This healthcare measure is implemented either by direct therapies and research following a correct diagnosis, or by preventive measures. Animals, be they pets or members of the cattle population, are vital to our society. Once they complete their foundational coursework in animal sciences and veterinary medicine (Bachelors of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, BVSc & AH), veterinarians typically specialize in animal sciences or veterinary medicine. A 5 and a half year degree program in India includes both veterinary sciences and animal husbandry as required courses. However, in many Asian and European countries, DVM degrees are awarded, which are equivalent to veterinary sciences but only cover the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the field. An additional management-related curriculum is included in the BVSc and AH degree programs offered in India for animal husbandry. With such curriculum, veterinarians are in a good position to manage livestock, poultry and pets through breeding, feeding, and caring.
Veterinarians have a diverse clientele, including pets, wild and zoo animals, cattle, and birds. Diverse scientific knowledge is required to protect animals from harm in addition to maintaining their health (animal welfare). These animals present a significant threat to the general public due to their diseases or behaviour. Consequently, wildlife veterinarians not only cure their illnesses but also manage them when needed. With time, the later portion becomes more important since there is invasion into the woodlands, disrupting the wildlife’s habitat. Due to their recent introduction into human habitations, these creatures pose a serious threat to people (Human-wildlife conflict).
In terms of illnesses, animals are afflicted with infections of which 70% are emerging and have zoonotic potential. Veterinarians that specialize in public health face a significant problem in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in animals, which also protects people. In addition to infectious diseases, a wide range of conditions that are also common in humans, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart problems, etc., call for cutting-edge treatment options and provide difficulties for veterinarians (vet research scientists).
Veterinarians are highly knowledgeable and skilled in the physiology and anatomy of animals, and they contribute significantly to the translation of human medicine (Proof-of-therapeutics). This advances the development of drugs, vaccines, and treatments based on regenerative medicine. As the COVID-19 pandemic has recently shown, these specialists are a valuable reserve force in an emergency. The veterinary professionals working in clinical and paraclinical settings are well-versed in disaster management and have access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and equipment.
Animal food safety & security and human health:
The population increase and the ever-increasing need for food have caused a shortage. Veterinarians can ensure sufficient animal food by preventing diseases and maintaining the proper health. They can aid in the development of animals with high potential for both reproduction and production. Producing a calf every year is a national goal to shorten the time between calvings. Veterinarians are also concerned with the particular food that animals consume when it comes to human health. Casein A1, a particular protein found in some animal milk, is unsuitable for some persons. Genetically engineered animals are used to try and minimize this protein.
Meat and poultry products, as well as milk-based foods, are regarded as wholesome and beneficial to health. In addition to the food scarcity, safe food is also required. Here, expertise in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences are needed to guarantee enough food that is safe. It is crucial to guarantee the safety of the food because it frequently becomes contaminated, whether it is meat- or chicken-based. The veterinarians can make it happen by using treatment and prevention techniques. Veterinarians can ensure safe and wholesome food for humans by serving as effective animal food safety officials. In addition to verifying appropriate slaughter and interstate transit protocols, they may detect diseases in milk and meat as well as instances of milk adulteration. Veterinarian service remains poor in this region of the world. In the fields of toxicology, epidemiology, and ecology, veterinarians are highly esteemed for their varied expertise. Veterinary epidemiologists and veterinary toxicologists find that this kind of information is extremely useful in the detection, management, and avoidance of environmental illnesses that impact both humans and animals.
Economy and human health:
The financial cost of providing healthcare, for both humans and animals, is substantial. This kind of expense can be reduced by disease prevention and control. The national database of healthcare facilities is likewise protected by this. Healthy animals are utilized for transportation, giving people a way to get to places that are remote and inaccessible to other modes of transportation, such as air travel. Horse-related sports such as horse racing and horse polo are lucrative and entertaining. Many people involved benefit financially from the veterinarians’ maintenance of the healthy and well-bred horses. Reducing the cost of maintaining male animals (bulls) is the main concern of veterinarians. Artificial Insemination (AI) has helped in reducing number of male animals required for fertilization. The risk of disease transmission from natural bull mating is eliminated by AI. Another area of focus is the reproduction of female calves alone, which can only be accomplished by creating cutting-edge technologies. Modern sex sorting technology has made it possible to produce exclusively female calves, which lessens the financial strain on farmers and lessens the food competition.
Conclusion:
In summary, whether it be through healthcare services, food security and safety, or the economy, veterinarians and their profession have a significant impact on society. It is past time for this industry and its workers to receive an update, have their services labeled as “essential,” and be treated with the utmost respect and utilization.
