Senate Bill Lauds 250th Anniversary of Veterinary Medicine; Designates 2011 as World Veterinary Year

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the first veterinary medical college opened in Lyon, France, 250 years ago, one had to already be a physician to even qualify to study for a degree in veterinary medicine.  Today's veterinary medical student is well versed in MRIs, lasers, and graduates with a degree in comparative medicine that impacts the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment worldwide.

"As the Senate's only veterinarian, it's important that we recognize the important role that the veterinary profession plays in our lives," says Senator John Ensign, DVM (R-NV). "Many people in my state and across the country view their pets as important members of their families and look to their veterinarians to ensure that their animals live long, healthy lives. Also, veterinarians play an integral role in food safety.  For this reason, I have asked the Senate to officially bring attention to and show appreciation for the veterinary profession by declaring 2011 as World Veterinary Year."

"It is remarkable that 250 years ago, educators clearly understood the link between human and animal health," said Larry Kornegay, DVM, president of the AVMA.  "From taking care of our beloved pets to ensuring the safety of the food we eat and working with our Armed Forces to help countries establish healthy productive agricultural systems, American veterinarians here and abroad serve the American public.  I would like to thank the United States Senate for recognizing this important link and passing this resolution."

World Veterinary Year will launch internationally with an opening ceremony on Jan. 24, 2011 in Versalles, France. The AVMA, and many partners on the US Vet 2011 National Committee, have planned a number of events across the United States during the year to commemorate World Veterinary Year.  A highlight will be a symposium, "World Veterinary Year: 250 years of Improving Animal and Human Health" on July 17, 2011 during the AVMA Convention in St. Louis.

Additional international events will include a World Veterinary Conference on Education from May 12—16, 2011 at VetAgro Sup – Campus Veterinaire, in Lyon, France.  The closing ceremonies will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from Oct. 10—14, 2011.

For more information, visit www.avma.org.  To learn more about World Veterinary Year, visit www.vet2011.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 80,000 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association