The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has postponed its 2020 World Congress due to ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19. Happening in Warsaw, Poland, the global event, which was originally scheduled for Sept. 23 to 26, in collaboration with the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and the Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association (PSAVA), will now take place March 21 to 24, 2021. “While we are extremely disappointed to have to postpone WSAVA World Congress, the safety and well-being of our delegates, speakers, and exhibitors are our absolute priorities,” says Shane Ryan, BVSc, MVS, CertVetAcupuncture, GradDipAnimChiro, MChiroSc, MRCVS, president of WSAVA. “The continuing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to protect our colleagues ultimately made the decision a simple one.” The new dates, WSAVA says, were the only ones possible for the Warsaw venue, and fall immediately prior to British Small Animal Veterinary Congress (BSAVA) 2021. As such, the two associations are exploring options to encourage professionals to attend both events, including offering a combined registration fee. “We are very appreciative our friends and colleagues at FECAVA, PSAVA, and BSAVA have worked together with us in a spirit of friendship and cooperation to help resolve this unprecedented problem,” Dr. Ryan says. WSAVA’s 2021 Congress, set to run Nov. 13 to 16, 2021, in Hyderabad, India, will go ahead as scheduled.
