Veterinary professionals on April 25 will celebrate World Veterinary Day, instigated by the World Veterinary Assn. in 2000. This year’s theme is “Veterinarians and Livestock Farmers, A Winning Partnership.” “Veterinarians play a key role in all countries as guarantors of animal health and public health,” according to the association. “But the effectiveness of their action is strongly linked to and dependent on their relationship with farmers. Livestock farmers all around the world are the first sentinels of animal disease events and a rapid response in the fight against animal diseases cannot leave aside their crucial role.” The veterinary association that best publicizes the theme by involving livestock farmers in the organization of events as well as other stakeholders, such as the media and the public, will receive the 2009 World Veterinary Day Award. It will be presented at the 77th OIE General Assembly in Paris on May 24-29. The World Veterinary Assn. and the World Organization for Animal Health created the award in 2008 to reward the most successful celebration of the veterinary profession by national veterinary associations alone or in cooperation with another veterinary group. The Kenya Veterinary Assn. won the $1,000 award last year. Click here for details on how to apply. Applications are due May 1. <HOME>