‘Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health’ is the theme of the 2026 World Veterinary Day
WVD is celebrated on 25th of April
The WVA Council has selected the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health” to highlight the systemic role of veterinary services in safeguarding food safety, food security, public health, and animal health worldwide.
From farm to fork, veterinarians are at the frontline of ensuring that food of animal origin is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. Their work protects consumers, supports sustainable food systems, prevents zoonotic diseases, and strengthens global health security.
The 2026 theme recognises that global food systems are increasingly interconnected and exposed to emerging disease threats, climate-related pressures, antimicrobial resistance, and economic volatility. In this context, veterinarians act not only as animal health professionals, but as essential actors in health security, sustainable food systems, and economic resilience/sustainability. World Veterinary Day 2026 aims to elevate public understanding and policy recognition of veterinary services as a cornerstone of sustainable and secure food systems.
This toolkit has been developed to support veterinary associations, institutions, and professionals in celebrating World Veterinary Day 2026, providing key messages, activity ideas, and communication strategies to promote the theme and raise public awareness.
World Veterinary Day Award
We are also glad to announce that applications are now open for the World Veterinary Day Award. Only WVA members are eligible to apply to this award that recognise the campaign of our members developed under the WVD theme.
This award is kindly sponsored by Health4Animals.
2026 WVD campaign materials
Toolkit
Visual pieces (Canva templates)
Previous World Veterinary Day Award themes and award winners
2025: Animal Health Takes a Team
2024: Emirates Veterinary Association – Veterinarians are essential health workers
2023: Nepal Veterinary Medical Association – Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in the Veterinary Profession
2022: Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association – “Strengthening Veterinarians Resilience”
2021: American Veterinary Medical Association – report of all the nominees and the final recipient
2020: Indian Veterinary Association – Kerala: report of all the nominees and the final recipient
2019: Uganda Veterinary Association – report of all the nominees and the final recipient