International Day of Veterinary Medicine: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day of Veterinary Medicine (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day of Veterinary Medicine is celebrated on December 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day of Veterinary Medicine, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about International Day of Veterinary Medicine.

📅 What day is International Day of Veterinary Medicine 2024?

In 2024, International Day of Veterinary Medicine is on Saturday, December 9th. It is the 2nd Saturday in December; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about December 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on December 9th, we celebrate the International Day of Veterinary Medicine. This day is dedicated to acknowledging the vital contributions of organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA strives to create a cohesive veterinary community that prioritizes the well-being of animals and humans alike.

📜 International Day of Veterinary Medicine History

After the rinderpest outbreak in cattle, efforts to professionalize veterinary care in France were strengthened, leading to the establishment of the first veterinary school in 1762 by Claude Bourgelat, who is now considered a legendary figure in the field. Other groups involved in agriculture and industry also played a crucial role in the formation of the veterinary profession due to their shared interests. Britain followed suit and opened its first veterinary school in 1790, while it took almost a century for America to establish its first public veterinary college, Iowa State University, which offered a four-year degree.

Currently, there are 133,394 veterinarians in the United States and 309,144 veterinary physicians in Europe, according to the latest data from the American Veterinary Medical Association. With the rise of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, the global importance of the veterinary profession is only growing.

✅ International Day of Veterinary Medicine Facts

🔖 Cows helped cure cervical cancer
Research on diseases in cattle led to the development of a vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is responsible for causing cervical cancer in women.

🔖 Poultry catalyzed the cancer cure
Likewise, the initial vaccine developed to combat cancer in humans originated from research conducted within the poultry sector.

🔖 Bourgelat also started with horses
The founder of the Lyon Academy of Horsemanship was responsible for establishing the inaugural veterinary school.

👍 Why Is International Day of Veterinary Medicine Important

Many veterinary medical advancements have aided in the improvement of human healthcare and treatment. Aside from immunizations, organ transplants were initially pioneered in animal care, and companion animals, of course, have excellent therapeutic skills.

If we want to ensure a healthy human population, we must be more concerned about animal health, welfare, and involvement. Ebola, Zika, and SARS all have animal roots, and more illnesses are expected in the future unless we change our approach to animals.

Despite the obvious links to human health, animal physicians are marginalized in the medical community and are not recognized as equivalent to human-focused medical practitioners. This prejudice must cease, and veterinarians must be recognized for playing an important role in the healthcare industry as a whole.

🙂 How To Observe International Day of Veterinary Medicine

⚡ Visit a pet adoption center close to you

⚡ Schedule a health check-up for your pet
If you have pets at home and have been delaying their annual vet visit, it’s a good idea to make an appointment now. Once they’ve been examined, vaccinated, and groomed for the new year, it might be a good opportunity for you to schedule your own health check-up too. Remember, it’s better to prevent any health issues than to deal with them later.

⚡ Thank your veterinary doctor
You are losing out if you have never had a pet. Anatole France stated, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Even if you have previously owned pets but do not currently have one, you should consider visiting your local animal shelter or adoption facility. Take the plunge once more and make room for a cute animal.

📅 When is International Day of Veterinary Medicine?

Explore all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Career holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about International Day of Veterinary Medicine. So be sure to check back soon.