By Dr Ishfaq Jamal
VETERINARIANS are the unsung heroes of our society, whose impact goes far beyond the health and well-being of animals. From agriculture and industry to environmental conservation and public health, their expertise is critical in ensuring the safety and welfare of both animals and humans. The role of veterinarians is multifaceted and diverse, encompassing different areas of expertise.
Every year, on the last Saturday of April, the world celebrates World Veterinary Day, to honor the contributions of veterinarians and raise awareness about animal health and welfare. This day serves as a reminder of the significant responsibilities that veterinarians shoulder towards society, nations, and the world.
Most of us are aware with the crucial role veterinarian’s played in Covid-19 mitigation by using their expertise. The contributions in the fields of research, diagnostics, vaccine production and logistical support to their human counterparts has been immense.
The emerging challenges due to global climate change, change in trading patterns in Livestock Industry including animal and animal products have put Veterinarian’s at the forefront in dealing with increased threat of emerging and reemerging diseases, most importantly zoonotic diseases. In the year 2022, India experienced a devastating outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease, which wreaked havoc on the country’s cattle population. The disease proved fatal for over 1 lakh cattle, while more than 2 million animals were affected by it.In Jammu and Kashmir the outbreak was serious and widespread. But the timely efforts of Govt. in collaboration with Vets as frontline workers resulted in timely containment of the disease. The strategy comprised of awareness among general masses, treatment and isolation of affected animals on scientific lines and carpet vaccination of cattle. The strategy involved several key components, including raising awareness among the general public, treating and isolating affected animals based on scientific protocols, and undertaking a widespread vaccination campaign aimed at protecting the cattle population. Thanks to these efforts, the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease was successfully curbed in Jammu and Kashmir, and other affected areas throughout the country. By prioritizing the health and safety of the country’s livestock, the government and veterinary professionals were able to mitigate the impact of this deadly disease and prevent further loss of life among India’s cattle population and financial losses to dairy farmers. The purpose of citing this example of LSD here on World Veterinary Day is to highlight the role and capabilities of Vets despite serious lag of infrastructure and facilities. In an ever-changing world that is fraught with novel and multifaceted challenges, the significance of veterinarians is only poised to grow in importance.
This year the theme for World Veterinary Day 2023 is Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession. The well-being of all veterinarians can be enhanced when diversity, equity and inclusion is promoted and applied. There is a value in increasing diversity, equity and inclusiveness in Veterinary profession. We choose the professions we see have an impact on social issues, society and communities. Increased diversity will improve the access to animal health care, job creation in livestock sector especially of downtrodden communities. Tribal and downtrodden communities will prefer a Vet from their community, locality and ethnicity thus diversity in Vet profession will positively impact animal health and welfare.
The theme also emphasizes on Vets developing compassion towards animal owners and pet owners from diverse backgrounds they deal with. In Jammu and Kashmir a lot of women have joined veterinary profession. Erstwhile a male dominated profession, off late we are witnessing a surge in number of Women joining the veterinary profession. A lot of practicing female vets are bringing laurels to the field and it has a positive impact on society. Mostly in Kashmiri households women deal in rearing of Dairy cows and it becomes easy for them to connect with female Vets. The diversity and inclusiveness is also witnessed in the two Veterinary colleges of J&K. A lot of students from Jammu province and other parts of Country are enrolled in SKUAST-K , hence helping students in developing more civic mind and develop a stronger interpersonal and intellectual skills.
As humanity confronts unprecedented global issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and emerging zoonotic diseases, veterinarians remain at the forefront of efforts to combat these perils. The veterinary profession is uniquely equipped with the knowledge and skills to address a wide gamut of animal health concerns, including the interplay between animal and human health, the environmental impact of animal production, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
- The author can be reached at [email protected]
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