Bigstock A new global survey commissioned by Boehringer Ingelheim highlights the often-overlooked roles veterinarians play in protecting animal welfare, public health, and food safety. The survey gathered responses from 1,046 veterinary professionals across 51 countries and identified several key areas of veterinary care that practitioners believe are undervalued by the public. “Every day, veterinarians make decisions that matter far beyond the consulting room – for the animals in their care, for the people who love them, and for the food systems and public health we depend on,” says Claire Fowler, head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, in a statement. “Through this Going Beyond survey, together with our partners, we are highlighting the value of something many of us in the animal health world have long felt to be true: the most critical parts of what veterinarians do are often the least visible.” Among companion animal veterinarians, 87 percent said uncovering hidden health problems and pain was one of the most important yet least recognized aspects of their work. “Diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on the veterinarians professional training and experience. This unnoticed layer of expertise ensures animals receive precise, efficient, and life-preserving care,” says Dr. Jim Berry, president of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). “Helping pet owners understand the full scope of that expertise is key to building trust and partnership with their veterinary teams to support the long-term health of our animals.” Equine veterinarians similarly emphasized the importance of detecting subtle pain and early disease signs, with 60 percent identifying it as an overlooked responsibility. Forty-two percent of equine veterinarians surveyed also cited “using a horse’s environment and clinical history to predict risk” as the most important but overlooked aspects of their role. Livestock veterinarians highlighted their role in protecting food systems and public health. About 65 percent reportedly identified food-chain safety as an underrecognized aspect of their profession, while 62 percent pointed to disease surveillance programs designed to limit the spread of infectious diseases. “Livestock veterinarians are guardians of our food supply and frontline defenders against the diseases that can cross from animals to people – yet this role is rarely visible to the public who depend on it most,” says Arcangelo Gentile, president of the World Association for Buiatrics. “Recognizing it is not just a matter of professional pride; it is essential if we are to attract, retain, and support the veterinary workforce that global food security and public health are increasingly reliant on.” The findings also underscored the preventive nature of veterinary medicine, including guidance on nutrition, vaccinations, parasite control, and environmental management to reduce disease risks before problems escalate. For more information, visit the Boehringer Ingelheim website.
