We applaud the tenacity of vets during the pandemic

THE ANNUAL celebration of World Veterinary Day highlights the various contributions of veterinarians to the health of animals and humans. The celebration also underscores the vital role of veterinarians in ensuring animal welfare, food and environmental safety, safe world trade in animals and animal products, and protecting public health.

The Jamaica Veterinary Board is delighted to celebrate World Veterinary Day – April 24, under the theme: ‘Veterinarian response to the COVID-19 crisis’, fully cognisant that veterinarians face incredibly new and demanding challenges of dealing with the public, while delivering quality animal-health care and keeping COVID-safe.

As natural forward thinkers, veterinarians focus on keeping a safe environment for humans and animals to co-exist, through prophylactic and curative measures. Indeed, the dreaded coronavirus was not a new word for seasoned veterinarians who have for decades been managing diseases caused by corona and other viruses, to include the use of vaccinations to control the spread of diseases in animal populations.

However, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was a whirlwind none of us anticipated. Our doctors, nurses, and other public health practitioners face the daunting tasks of performing their duties of keeping the public safe, while struggling with their own mental and physical health. For this, we salute them and are forever in their debt.

The COVID19 pandemic has caused a rethink on business as usual in the veterinary world and as essential workers, veterinarians have had to demonstrate tremendous resilience and coping capabilities to adjust, adapt and lead the drive to perform their duties with excellence. Together with farmers, our vets continue to be on the frontline in ‘a sense of duty’ to secure the island’s food supply in these unprecedented times of food insecurity. The health of companion and sport animals has never been more important in helping the world to adapt to social-distancing dictates: here again, veterinarians have been vigilant is servicing the health needs of these animals, positively impacting the mental health and earning capabilities of their human companions.

The Jamaica Veterinary Board applauds the tenacity and resourcefulness of our veterinarians during the pandemic. We thank you for the service, steadfastness and stewardship.