By Greg Cima
The AVMA is calling on veterinarians to learn about global veterinary programs and opportunities and the links among animal health, human health, and economic development.
"We want to expand their knowledge of the need for our involvement internationally," said Dr. Janver D. Krehbiel, who represents the Executive Board on the Committee on International Veterinary Affairs. "Our global impact is significant and we have things to offer, but we also have to know more about the opportunities and the ways in which veterinarians can be involved."
Speakers will describe the need for veterinarians and their role in global health during the One Medicine session "Global Animal Health Summit: A Call to Action to the U.S. Veterinary Profession." The two-day program runs from 9 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. Sunday in room 607 of the convention center.
Dr. Krehbiel thinks the summit is an important event with world-renowned speakers, and he hopes it will lead AVMA members and the profession to become more involved in helping developing countries control disease in animals and in people. He said all members of the profession need to have a knowledge base regarding zoonotic diseases, potential pandemic diseases, and the implications for human health.
"I think it's an exciting program," Dr. Krehbiel said. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Our global impact is significant and we have things to offer, but we also have to know more about the opportunities and the ways in which veterinarians can be involved." —Dr. Janver D. Krehbiel
Ambassador Robert G. Loftis, special representative for avian and pandemic influenza with the U.S. Department of State, will open the summit with a presentation on avian, swine, and pandemic influenza. Dr. Bernard Vallat, director general of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), will talk Saturday afternoon about the importance of collaborative efforts among countries, agencies, and professions to improve human and animal health.
Other speakers include representatives from U.S. and international veterinary associations, academia, the U.S. government, global health agencies, and not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations.
Dr. James E. Nave, chair of the committee, states in a letter in the summit program that he hopes the sessions will inspire and motivate attendees to become involved in veterinary medicine beyond the boundaries of their communities, states, or countries.
