WorldVet 2011 Celebrates 250 years of Veterinary Medicine

By Ashley Shelton, Assistant Director

In 2011, the veterinary profession will celebrate its 250th anniversary, and the whole world is celebrating! On the initiative of French veterinarian Claude Bourgelat, the world's first veterinary school was founded in Lyon, France, in 1761, followed shortly in 1764 by the Alfort veterinary school near Paris. Vet 2011 events will be taking place around the world throughout 2011 to commemorate this anniversary, with the official opening ceremony taking place in Versailles, France, on January 24, 2011.

To document the anniversary, Congressional Resolutions have been introduced by Representative Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon) and Senator John Ensign (R-Nevada), both of whom are veterinarians. House Resolution 1531 and Senate Resolution 583 express Congressional support for designation of 2011 as "World Veterinary Year." The resolution will bring attention to and show appreciation for the veterinary profession on its 250th anniversary.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is one of the 25 participating Associate Members of Vet2011 and will host an International Symposium at its annual convention in St. Louis, Missouri next July, as well as other events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Please contact Dr. Ashley Shelton if you have questions.