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TIME Makes Historic First: Veterinarians Debut on 100 Most Influential People in Health List
TIME Magazine has, for the first time, debuted veterinarians in its 100 Most Influential People in Health list—marking a significant milestone for the veterinary profession and its growing impact on global health.
Join the World Veterinary Day 2025 social media campaign
WVA is pleased to launch the social media campaign ‘Spotlight the professional’, inviting individuals to share who they are and how they make part of the Animal Health Team! Join us in celebrating World Veterinary Day by shining a light on the incredible veterinary professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. Take a moment to share your appreciation and inspire others to recognise these heroes of animal health. Let’s make World Veterinary Day a true celebration of the entire vet team! #SpotlightTheVetTeam
Join the WVA High-Level Programmes ‘One Health Summit on Food Security’, the ‘Medicines Stewardship Seminar’, and ‘Animal Welfare and Veterinary Education Seminar’
As the global veterinary community prepares for the 40th World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC2025), hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Washington, DC, in July 2025, other three landmark events promise to set the tone for veterinary excellence worldwide.
WVA Publishes New Position Statement on Veterinary Statutory Bodies
All veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals should be subject to the authority of a Veterinary Statutory Body or equivalent Veterinary Professional Authority (VPA), legally established within the jurisdiction where they practice or support veterinary medicine. We also recognise that the responsibilities of a VSB or VPA may be shared among different entities. Some may manage registration and licensing processes, while others may focus on establishing ethical standards and representing the profession in consultation with governments and other stakeholders.
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
Veterinary Profession and Education
20 Apr 2025
WVA Position Statement on Veterinary Statutory Body
The World Veterinary Association holds that all veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals should be subject to the authority of the Veterinary Statutory Body (VSB) or equivalent Veterinary Professional Authority (VPA), which is established under the law of the jurisdiction or territory within which they practice or support the practice of veterinary medicine. An autonomous VSB/VPA, which may be known by a variety of different names, such as council, college, association or board, is necessary to ensure delivery of quality veterinary services. The VSB/VPA must be supported by legislative authority, function independently, and regulate all veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals within its jurisdiction.
Medicines Stewardship
15 Apr 2025
WVA Position Statement on Availability of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
Veterinary pharmaceuticals must be manufactured under strict guidelines and be licensed or registered and approved for use only after undergoing a rigorous quality assurance assessment that is regulated and evaluated by national or regional authorities. Additionally, legislation to authorize such regulation should be based on scientific evidence obtained through studies conducted by qualified veterinarians and scientists. Such regulatory measures will help ensure that veterinary pharmaceuticals, when used in accordance with the approved product label, will have minimal harmful or unintended effects on animals, people, or the environment.
Medicines Stewardship
15 Apr 2025
WVA Position Statement on Strengthening Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulation in Low and Middle-Income Countries
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) recognizes the indispensable role that veterinary pharmaceuticals (VP) and veterinary medical products (VMP) play in safeguarding animal health and welfare, enhancing sustainable livestock production, and supporting livelihoods in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). To sustain the benefits of VP and VMP, LMIC should strive to ensure progressive improvement in their technical capabilities to regulate VP and VMP effectively, thereby ensuring their quality, efficacy, and safety.
One Health
19 Jan 2025
WVA Position Statement on Vaccine Preparedness
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) supports the view that having a robust animal vaccination preparedness plan will help a country respond quickly to emerging and reemerging animal disease threats.