Animal Welfare
8 Aug 2024
Factsheet on Welfare of Farmed Fish
Aquaculture production as a source of dietary protein is increasing by 6-8% annually to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global human population. Over 214 million tonnes of farmed fish are produced each year around the world for human consumption. Research has demonstrated that fish are sentient, but they are rarely afforded the same level of protection as sentient terrestrial animals. 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.
Animal Welfare
26 Jul 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Role of Veterinarians in Aquatic Animal Health
The WVA and World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) urge their members to engage with authorities and statutory bodies to improve the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in the field of aquatic animals; restricting such practice to licensed/registered veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals who work under the supervision of veterinarians.
Animal Welfare
18 Apr 2024
Factsheet on Donkey Skin Trade and Welfare of Donkeys
Demand for ejiao is increasing, leading to global trade and poaching of donkeys. Almost 6 million skins currently being harvested annually to be used to produce collagen for a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), called eijiao. The rampant killing of donkeys for the skin trade leads to the impoverishment of local communities, loss of opportunities for women, and impairs access to education for children, water provision and agricultural sustainability. The global donkey population stands at~53.4million. The donkey population in China alone has decreased from ~11 million in 1992 to just under 2 million in 2020 (FAOSTAT,2021).
Veterinary Profession and Education
5 Apr 2024
WVA Position Statement on Veterinary Para-Professionals
The WVA recognises the critical role played by Veterinary Para-Professionals (VPPs) in supporting the performance of veterinary veterinary services (PVS). Further, VPPs should be regulated by Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSBs) or equivalent Veterinary Professional Authority (VPA) to perform tasks designated by territorial laws and guidelines. WVA also recognises that in some remote and rural areas […]
Veterinary Profession and Education
14 Mar 2024
WVA Position Statement on Day One Competencies for Veterinarians
At a global level, veterinary professionals must be competent to address issues related to the prevention and control of animal diseases to ensure animal health, animal welfare, public health, and environmental and ecosystem health. Using WOAH Day-1 Competencies as a foundation, WVA recommends that all veterinary training programs incorporate the following Day-One Competencies along with […]
Veterinary Profession and Education
14 Mar 2024
WVA Position Statement on Identifying a Veterinary Professional
Only individuals qualified by virtue of completing appropriate education and training can be identified as a veterinary doctor, veterinarian, veterinary surgeon or any other term that implies that they are entitled to engage in the professional practice of veterinary medicine pursuant to registration by the statutory veterinary regulatory authority in their jurisdiction.
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Protection of Animals During Disasters and Armed Conflict
The WVA considers that there is an urgent need for national preparedness plans and coordinated international veterinary relief geared towards support of animals, as well as consideration of protections of ecosystems and habitats during armed conflict and natural disasters.
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on Position Statement on Control of Inappropriately Aggressive Dogs
The WVA recognizes that inappropriately aggressive dogs may pose a significant threat to humans and other animals and calls for education, community involvement, owner responsability and appropriate legislation.
Animal Welfare
31 Jan 2024
Factsheet on Working Equids Welfare
There are over 116 million working equids and they support over 600 million people worldwide. Despite the development of global standards, many working equids still experience poor welfare.
One Health
30 Dec 2023
WVA Position Statement on One Health
The WVA advocates and supports the advancement of One Health (OH). The health and well-being of people, animals, plants, and their interconnected ecosystems depend on strategic, effective and sustainable collaborative partnerships among professions, disciplines and societies.