Continue to support vets in their mission to protect, heal and enrich lives

VETERINARIANS AROUND the globe will celebrate World Veterinary Day on April 27, 2024. This year’s theme “Veterinarians are Essential” serves to highlight the myriad of roles veterinarians play in protecting and advancing human health, public health and the environmental. As the Chief Veterinary Officer of Jamaica, I am honoured to acknowledge the crucial role that veterinarians play in our society.

Veterinarians are not only engaged in safeguarding the health of animals, but are also crucial contributors to public health, environmental sustainability, and food security. As a result of their specialised training, veterinarians are uniquely placed to support the production of nutritious and safe food. It is well known that zoonotic diseases pose significant challenges globally, and as such, Veterinarians are at the forefront in implementing requisite safeguards. Their expertise in disease prevention, detection, and control is invaluable in ensuring the health and safety of our population. In an attempt to prevent the introduction of foreign (exotic) animal diseases into Jamaica, veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals are employed by Government at the various ports of entry to quarantine and inspect animals imported into the country.

It is important to note that veterinarians play a lead role in the early detection and early response to accidental or deliberate introduction of exotic animal diseases and are a key line of defence against agro-terrorism and bioterrorism thereby safeguarding national security and food chain safety. One of the greatest achievements for veterinarians was the eradication of Rinderpest in 2011, the first animal disease to be eradicated from the globe.

Upon their graduation from colleges of veterinary medicine, veterinarians take an oath that they will use their scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. As such, veterinarians are instrumental in promoting responsible pet ownership, addressing animal welfare issues and advancing research in animal health and medicine. Their dedication and compassion towards animals and people alike make veterinarians essential pillars of our society.

As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals in the private and public sectors and in academia, let us continue to support them in their mission to protect, heal and enrich the lives of both humans and animals. Their expertise is an invaluable asset that we must recognise and appreciate.

DR OSBIL WATSON Chief Veterinary Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining