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Strengthening Veterinary Education of Teachers and Students in Africa
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) is proud to be a key partner in the EU-funded EDUVETerinary Bootcamps, an initiative dedicated to transforming veterinary education in Sub-Saharan Africa through international cooperation and curriculum innovation. As part of the EDUVETerinary project, these bootcamps—held in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Botswana between May 16 and 28—brought together over 200 veterinary students, educators, and professionals to co-create practical, locally relevant educational solutions that prepare learners for the realities of the veterinary field.
WVA and Brooke sign MoU on the Essential Veterinary Medicines List
WVA and working animal charity Brooke have pledged commitment to continue work on the first global list of essential veterinary medicines. WVA and Brooke signed an agreement committing to efforts to support veterinarians and veterinary associations better access to affordable, effective medicines. The list includes over 300 medicines and vaccines for cows, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses and donkeys, highlighting which medicines are the most important in keeping animals healthy.
Integrating Environmental Health into One Health: A Call to Combat Plastic Pollution
On World Environment Day 2025, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) urges global health and environmental leaders to fully integrate environmental sustainability into One Health strategies. Ahead of the upcoming negotiations toward a global treaty to end plastic pollution, the (WVA) emphasizes the need to strengthen the environmental pillar of the One Health approach in policy and practice. Plastic pollution is a clear example of how environmental stressors directly and indirectly affect animal, human, and ecosystem health.
Announcing the WVA/MSD Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarships 2024 winners
The World Veterinary Association (WVA), in collaboration with MSD Animal Health, is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the WVA/MSD Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program. Now in its 8th year, the program received over 600 applications from across the globe, highlighting the increasing need for support among veterinary students and the strong reputation the program has built. This year, 40 veterinary students from Asia and Oceania, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America have been awarded scholarships of $5000 USD each.
Humans, animals and environment
One Planet – One Health
“I want to welcome you to access the World Veterinary Association website. In it, we want to show who we are and what we do to be the voice of the global veterinary medicine. We want to be recognized, respected and trusted to influence worldwide in our task to improve animal health, animal welfare, public health and the environment, in short, for the good of humanity, animals and our planet.
The WVA is a federation of veterinary associations based on the respect for diversity that makes us stronger. Mutual collaboration and solidarity are our signs of authenticity. And science, education and advocacy are the instruments to achieve our goals.
For a global association like ours, communication is essential. But this communication must be bidirectional, so I want to encourage you, dear guest, to send us your ideas through our contact section or any other way.
Thank you for the time you spend visiting our website, now and in the future.”
Dr. Rafael Laguens, WVA President
WVA Position Statements
One Health
29 May 2025
WVA Position Statement on Cysticercosis and Cystic Echinococcosis (Hydatidosis)
Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease that has severe public health implications and affects the quality of life of people in areas where it is endemic. In pigs, the intermediate host, it is caused by ingesting eggs (ova) of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm (cestode), shed in the feces of an infected human, the definitive host. Veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals play key roles in mitigating and eliminating the public health risks of Taenia solium (T. solium) and Echinococcus granulosus infections by way of improving public education, surveillance, improved sanitary practices, and advocacy. In regions where these diseases are endemic, veterinarians play a particularly critical role in community engagement, treatment of host animals and public health initiatives.
Animal Welfare
14 May 2025
Welfare Across Aquatic Animal Environments
Humans share the world with millions of species that live in or near aquatic habitats. The wellbeing and survival of many of these animals, whether invertebrates or vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and mammals, depend on aquatic environmental conditions consistent with those which prevailed in the natural ecosystem in which each evolved.
Veterinary Profession and Education
11 May 2025
WVA Model Veterinarians’ Oath
The primary purpose of the Veterinarians’ Oath is to formally commit new veterinarians to the ethical and professional standards of the veterinary profession. It is most used to swear in new veterinarians upon their entry into the profession, typically at or immediately following graduation from a veterinary educational establishment. This oath serves as a pledge to uphold ethical principles, acknowledge professional responsibilities, build public trust, commit to lifelong learning, and promote a global perspective on animal and public health.
Veterinary Profession and Education
10 May 2025
WVA Position Statement on Implementing Veterinary Continuing Education and Professional Development
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) encourages any organisation or institution that provides Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) programs, to: • Build upon and supplement the Day-One Competencies obtained in institutions of higher education that confer veterinary or veterinary para-professional qualifications; and, • Provide documentation for individuals to use for ongoing licensure or registration.