Abu dhabi: On the occasion of World Veterinary Day, observed on Saturday, 25 April 2026, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) calls on governments, international organisations, and development partners to recognise and strengthen the role of veterinarians as 'Guardians of Food and Health'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the WVA Council has selected the theme 'Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health' to highlight the systemic role of veterinary services in safeguarding food safety, food security, public health, and animal health worldwide.
From farm to fork, veterinarians are at the frontline of ensuring that food of animal origin is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. Their work protects consumers, supports sustainable food systems, prevents zoonotic diseases, and strengthens global health security.
The 2026 theme recognises that global food systems are increasingly interconnected and exposed to emerging disease threats, climate-related pressures, antimicrobial resistance, and economic volatility.
In this context, veterinarians act not only as animal health professionals, but as essential actors in health security, sustainable food systems, and economic resilience/sustainability.
World Veterinary Day 2026 aims to elevate public understanding and policy recognition of veterinary services as a cornerstone of sustainable and secure food systems.
The WVA urges policymakers to strengthen national veterinary services in line with international standards, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) framework. They also advocate for investment in integrated animal health surveillance systems as a first line of defence against zoonotic and foodborne threats.
Furthermore, the association supports responsible antimicrobial use and veterinary oversight as a core component of national Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) strategies. Reinforcing regulatory frameworks that ensure biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety across the production continuum is also a key recommendation.
Lastly, the WVA emphasizes integrating veterinarians systematically into national and international One Health coordination mechanisms to bolster health security and sustainability.