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FVE General Assembly highlights preparedness, vet-shortage and working conditions
At the June General Assembly of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), held in Finnish Lapland, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) was represented by its two European Councillors. Discussions included demographic trends within the profession, supported by preliminary findings from the 4th FVE VetSurvey, the growing role of corporate ownership of veterinary clinics and practices, and the ongoing challenge of shortages of veterinary medicines across Europe. Delegates highlighted the importance of ensuring reliable access to essential veterinary medicines while promoting responsible medicines stewardship.
WVA Immediate Past President Dr. John de Jong receives the 2026 AVMA Award
Join us in congratulating Immediate Past President Dr. John de Jong on receiving the 2026 AVMA Award, one of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s highest honors recognising distinguished service and outstanding leadership in advancing the veterinary profession.
WVA co-created Essential Veterinary Medicines List receives inaugural RCVS Collaboration Award
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) is proud to celebrate the recognition of the Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML) for Food-Producing Animals, which has received the inaugural Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Collaboration Award. The EVML was co-created by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and Brooke to improve access to essential veterinary medicines worldwide.
WOAH updates priority disease lists to advance vaccination and reduce antimicrobial use in animals
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published the first report of its Ad Hoc Group on the Prioritisation of Diseases for which Vaccines Could Reduce Global Antimicrobial Use in Animals (PROEVA), identifying key diseases where improved vaccination strategies could have the greatest impact on reducing antimicrobial use (AMU) worldwide.
WVA Position Statements
One Health
3 Apr 2026
WVA Position Statement on the Global Climate Change Emergency
The statement recognises climate change as a global emergency with profound and far-reaching impacts on animal, human, and ecosystem health. It affirms the role of veterinarians as health professionals and advocates for animal welfare, public health, and environmental stewardship, highlighting their responsibility to support climate mitigation and resilience through evidence-based practice. Within a One Health framework, veterinarians are encouraged to actively engage in multisectoral and transdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening community engagement and contributing to global efforts aimed at preventing future pandemics. Their involvement is essential in bridging animal, human, and environmental health disciplines to address complex health threats at their source.
One Health
1 Apr 2026
WVA Position Statement on Zoonoses Emergence in Relation to Wildlife Disruption and Trade
The statement highlights the role of wildlife habitat encroachment and wildlife trade as key drivers in the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. It underscores that veterinarians, as trusted professionals with expertise in animal health, welfare, and public health, are uniquely positioned to advocate for biodiversity conservation and responsible wildlife management. Within a One Health framework, veterinarians are encouraged to actively engage in multisectoral and transdisciplinary collaborations, strengthening community engagement and contributing to global efforts aimed at preventing future pandemics. Their involvement is essential in bridging animal, human, and environmental health disciplines to address complex health threats at their source.
Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Position Statement on Welfare of Animals During Land Transportation – Terrestrial livestock and poultry
Farm animals have historically been subject to human-imposed constraints, prioritising production efficiency in agricultural techniques. However, there is a growing consensus on prioritising animal health and welfare, particularly during transportation, where millions of live animals are transported globally each year. Unfortunately, animal transportation poses significant risks to welfare, and animals may suffer poor conditions or death due to factors like unfit animal selection, inappropriate vehicle design, inconsiderate handling techniques, too long distances and inadequate feed, water, break facilities, and preparation, as well as harsh climatic conditions, including severe heat or cold stress, among others. These issues not only lead to suffering but can also result in financial losses from carcass bruising and other causes of downgrade, impacting food safety and non-alignment with the One Health approach. Animal transportation, whether over short or long distances, inevitably causes stress due to herding and loading techniques, tight spaces, unfamiliarity with the loaded peers, vehicle and conditions at the destination, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Factsheet on Brachycephaly in Dogs
WVA promotes the development and enforcement of appropriate national welfare standards and regulations for aquaculture, training in aquatic veterinary medicine and investment in education and capacity-building to ensure proper care, welfare, and management of aquatic animals.Brachycephaly refers to a spectrum of skull conformations characterised by shortening of the muzzle and upper airways. Not all short-nosed dogs experience severe problems; welfare outcomes depend on the degree of anatomical alteration, individual health status, and management. However, extreme brachycephaly is strongly associated with significant health and welfare concerns. Breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug have increased sharply in popularity. Many people are unaware that certain exaggerated facial features, while perceived as “cute”, are linked to abnormal conformation that may severely compromise health, reduce quality of life, and require costly medical or surgical interventions.