The role of the veterinarian

World Veterinary Association (WVA) Veterinarians’ Oath

I, as a Member of the Global Veterinary Profession, do solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge, skill and training:

To prevent, diagnose, treat and manage pain and disease in all animal species to the best of my ability in keeping with the principles of veterinary ethics and relevant law.

To communicate and help prevent the impact of diseases in humans that originate directly from animals or via vector transmission, the use of animal products or environmental contaminants of animal origin.

To advocate for the sustainable use of terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic animals in their diverse ecosystems through stewardship to reduce environmental impacts.

To contribute to animal, human, and environmental health by continually developing my competencies as a health professional, acting with integrity, and promoting animal welfare.

Vet giving calf an injection

Veterinarians’ role in protecting human health

Veterinarians have important role in protection of human health through assurance of animal health and welfare. With their professional activities, the veterinarians impact directly and indirectly on animals, people, plants and environment they live and share.

Veterinarians are engaged in wide spectrum of jobs such as clinical practice, laboratory diagnostics, scientific research, education, state agencies, military, feed and food industry, pharmaceutical industry, professional associations, insurance companies and international organizations.

Veterinarians’ role deals with

  1. Negotiating, drafting and upholding necessary legislation and international standards, including sustainable policy development, implementation, review and risk analysis (risk management, assessment and communication)
  2. Global food security (quantity, quality and safety) and consumer protection
  3. Cutting edge science, discovery and teaching
  4. Protecting public health and animal health by officially controlling diseases relevant to public health and animal health (One Health) and protecting animal welfare. Protection from fraudulent activities
  5. Facilitating economic growth (small & large businesses) through sustainable farm/ food production, trade (certification) of animals and Products of Animal Origin (POAO)
  6. Preserving diverse production (rare breeds, traditional food production)
  7. Communicating important messages to interested parties: public and animal keepers (food producing and companion), industry (agri-food and others), politicians, civil servants, other scientists/ professions (lawyers, economists, medics, animal scientists, environmentalists, microbiologists, statisticians etc.)
A farmer with his animals at the fram