In the WVA Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 , the WVA prioritized four core issues: animal welfare, pharmaceutical stewardship, veterinary education and One Health.
As a results, four Strategic Working Groups were formed to initiate projects and position statements on these topics. More information on each group and their activities can be found below:
Animal Welfare Working Group (AW-WG)
CHAIR
Dr Enid Stiles
GOALS
- to raise awareness of current and ongoing animal welfare issues globally.
- to develop and maintain key partnerships with other global AW advocacy groups.
- to promote animal welfare education and training within the veterinary curriculum and as a critical component of veterinary continuing professional development.
The AW-WG is currently working on drafting several Position Statements and has selected the 2021 recipients for the WVA-Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.
Some Position Statements recently published by the AW-WG are:
- WVA Factsheet on ‘Brachycephaly in Dogs’
- WVA Position Statement on the Role of the Veterinarian in Animal Welfare.
One Health Working Group (OH-WG)
CHAIR
Dr Shannon Messenhowski
GOALS
- Identify and develop opportunities for veterinary professionals to contribute their expertise and leadership in One Health.
- Facilitate and encourage the capacity building necessary to meet the challenges associated with a One Health approach.
- Develop resources and guidelines for use by veterinary and allied organisations to promote education and advocacy on the importance of One Health.
The OH-WG and its subgroups are working on drafting several Position Statements and has recently published the WVA Factsheet on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Veterinary Education Working Group (VE-WG)
CHAIR
Dr James Ouma
GOALS
- To improve the quality of veterinary education and continuing education for veterinary students, veterinarians, and veterinary para-professionals around the world.
- To improve access to veterinary medical education globally.
- To support OIE Day One competencies in veterinary education.
The VE-WG has recently worked with FVE and Zoetis on a Mental Health Survey. The findings of the survey were presented by the FVE and can be found here. The group is currently supporting the work of the WVA and AAVMC’s Committee on International Veterinary Medical Education (CIVME) on the project Global Quality Standards for Veterinary Education. The VE-WG reviews the applications for the WVA-MSD Student Scholarships.
Pharmaceutical Stewardship Working Group (PS-WG)
CHAIR
Dr Olatunji Nasir
GOALS
- Advocate for the availability and access to quality pharmaceuticals and biologics for veterinarians worldwide.
- Develop a list of essential veterinary pharmaceuticals that should be available for use by food animal practitioners.
- Contribute to global AMR discussions as they pertain to veterinarians and their access to and use of antimicrobials.
Currently, the main focus of the PS-WG is the Essential Medicines List, in collaboration with Brooke. Each WG member has been in charge of one of eight Species-Specific Working Groups to draft the list for each species.