World Veterinary Day to center on antimicrobial resistance

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On April 28, World Veterinary Day 2012 will raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance.

The AVMA plans to promote the event via an advertisement—with the message "Antimicrobial resistance, it's everyone's responsibility"—as well as a press release on pet medications, a podcast, and other promotions.World Veterinary Day

The World Veterinary Association created World Veterinary Day in 2000 as an annual celebration of the veterinary profession, falling on the last Saturday of April. Each year, the WVA and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) announce a theme for the event.

"Loss of efficacy in antimicrobial treatment through resistance development is an ever-present risk both towards animal as well as public health," according to the WVA-OIE announcement of the theme for World Veterinary Day 2012.

According to the announcement, "delivery of antimicrobials and treatment of animals should be done directly through well-trained veterinarians." The WVA and OIE advocate for better control of antimicrobials, surveillance for resistance, and risk assessment programs.

The WVA and OIE again are offering the $1,000 World Veterinary Day Award for the most successful celebration of the occasion by a national veterinary association working alone or in cooperation with other veterinary groups.

In 2011, Myanmar won the award for best promoting rabies awareness during World Veterinary Day. The country marked the occasion with free rabies vaccinations for animals and various educational efforts.

Information about World Veterinary Day and the World Veterinary Day Award is available at www.worldvet.org.