31 January 2011

Bon anniversaire vétérinaire!!

250 years ago, the veterinary profession was born with the foundation of a specialist school in France, and New Zealand’s vets are ready for a year-long celebration, starting with tonight’s official Opening Ceremony at the French Embassy in Wellington.

Tonight’s gala event will be hosted by the French Ambassador, Francis Etienne, and the New Zealand Veterinary Association, with Hon. David Carter, Minister of Agriculture, as keynote speaker.

“Vet2011 gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution our veterinarians make to our society,” says NZVA president, Dr Richard Wild. “Whilst our work with companion animals is well-known, New Zealand relies heavily on the exports of animals and animal products for our export revenue and our standard of living, so vets are vital to ensuring the quality of, and standards for our animals are maintained.

“Our vets make a major contribution to the NZ economy through animal health and welfare programmes in our livestock industries, supervising animal production and processing systems, our academics and wildlife experts in zoos and sanctuaries. They are vital in controlling zoonoses (diseases that are spread from animals to humans, e.g. swine flu, avian flu etc), monitoring food quality and safety and protecting the biosecurity of New Zealand borders.

“I believe that vets are the unsung heroes of some of the largest industries in our country. This anniversary year gives us the chance to finally say ‘thank you’ for the service they provide.”

NZVA will be celebrating with several events throughout the year. Vet practices across the country will be opening their doors to the public to showcase some of their work and there will be a student vet essay competition. And last week Massey University in Palmerston North played host to the Australasian Student Veterinary Conference.

New Zealanders are also invited to participate in the “Vets in Your Daily Life” photo competition, where regional winners will get photographic equipment worth over $1,700, plus a trip to Brussels, Belguim. The ultimate prizewinner will receive an additional $3,000 of photographic equipment. Full details can be found at www.vetsinyourdailylife.org.

ENDS

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