Recognising veterinarians as vital guardians of health

CERTAIN PROFESSIONS stand out as support pillars in the vast healthcare field, often overlooked yet indispensable. Among these, veterinarians hold a unique position as guardians of not just animal health but also human well-being and the environment. It’s high time we acknowledged their pivotal role and granted them the recognition they rightfully deserve.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on veterinarians at home and around the world, who play a critical role in protecting animal and public health, safeguarding our food supply, monitoring for zoonotic pathogens, and supporting biomedical research and medical countermeasures, such as the development of COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments, vaccine, and protocols.

Veterinary practices have consistently been designated as essential healthcare businesses throughout the pandemic. We would like to commend the Government of Jamaica which has recognised the contribution of the veterinarians to the safeguarding of our country during the pandemic. Veterinary practitioners quickly adapted and responded to changing conditions and recommendations to keep clients, patients, and healthcare teams safe, while providing needed veterinary services for all species of animal.

Under the theme ‘ Veterinarians are essential health workers,’ we join the millions of veterinarians around the world in celebrating April 27 as World Veterinary Day. Veterinarians’ competencies must be considered an essential and integral part of health.

Veterinarians are not merely caregivers to our beloved pets and livestock; they are frontline defenders against the spread of zoonotic diseases, illnesses that can jump from animals to humans. Diseases like rabies, avian influenza, and Ebola are just a few examples of the threats that veterinarians help mitigate, safeguarding public health on a global scale.

Moreover, veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring food safety and security. We oversee the health and welfare of livestock, conduct inspections, and implement measures to prevent the transmission of diseases through the food chain. Without their expertise, we would be at greater risk of consuming contaminated products, leading to potential outbreaks and economic losses.

In addition to our disease prevention and food safety responsibilities, veterinarians contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts. They work to protect endangered species, monitor wildlife health, and investigate the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Veterinarians play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity by understanding the intricate connections between animal, human, and environmental health.

Despite their invaluable contributions, veterinarians often operate in the shadows, overshadowed by other healthcare professions. We need help with challenges such as limited resources, inadequate recognition, societal misconceptions about their role, and the prevalence of illegal practices plaguing our profession and endangering the lives of humans, animals, and our environment. It’s time to change this narrative and elevate the status of veterinarians to that of essential health workers.

This recognition entails providing veterinarians with the support, resources, and respect we deserve to fulfil their duties effectively. It means investing in veterinary education and research, expanding access to veterinary services in underserved communities, and advocating for policies that prioritise animal and public health.

Furthermore, it requires fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, physicians, public health officials, and environmental scientists. Recognising the interconnectedness of health across species and ecosystems, we must work together to address emerging threats and promote holistic approaches to health and well-being.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, veterinarians’ role becomes increasingly vital. From combating infectious diseases to safeguarding food supplies and preserving biodiversity, their contributions are woven into the fabric of society. Let us acknowledge, appreciate, and support veterinarians as the essential health workers they genuinely are. Our collective health and the health of our planet depend on it.

Celebrate World Veterinary Day – April 27, 2024. Join us in honouring the unsung heroes of animal and human health: Veterinarians! On this special day, let’s recognise our dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts in safeguarding the well-being of our furry friends and communities worldwide.

DR CLOVER MATTOCKS Chairman Jamaica Veterinary Board