Supporting Vets and Animal Health Professionals
Veterinarians, vet nurses, vet technicians, clinic and hospital managers, among many others, are critical elements of animal health services. They work together to address the diverse challenges in animal health and care, often under pressure and long hours.
Common Challenges Faced by Vets
• Burnout is a common issue due to the high level of responsibility and pressure they face. • Shortages of new graduates and experienced vets and other staff, particularly in rural areas. • Mental and physical wellbeing needs to be prioritized.
The Role of the New Zealand Veterinary Association
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has been working to support vets since 1923. The NZVA also works closely with the representatives of vet nurses and other professionals.
“Animal health takes a team” was the theme of this year’s World Veterinary Day.
The NZVA provides resources and support for the mental and physical wellbeing of its members. It also offers professional development and continuing education and career support from entry level to retirement.
One Health Concept
The One Health concept acknowledges that animal health, human health and the health of the environment are inextricably linked. This concept was envisaged and implemented in the early 2000s by the World Organisation for Animal Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN.
- The aim was to create a collaborative global approach to understanding and mitigating the combined risks to human health, animal health and ecosystem health.
- A classic example of the critical importance of this is the origins of the SARS-Cov-2 global pandemic, where an animal disease became a spill-over zoonotic event due to an environment that put infected animals and susceptible humans in close contact.
Key Players in Animal Health
Veterinary professionals have a unique position in communities, providing them with a key role to play in One Health.
| Veterinarians | Animal health, animal welfare, zoonoses, biosecurity, food security and food safety. |
| Vet nurses | Animal care and management. |
| Vet technicians | Animal care and laboratory testing. |
Veterinary professionals play a vital role in animal health, and their position in communities provides them with a unique opportunity to become key One Health influencers. In conclusion, animal health is not just about treating animals, but also about the wellbeing of people and the environment. Veterinary professionals have a crucial role to play in this, and it is essential to support and prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing. It is also essential to recognize the importance of teamwork in animal health, as highlighted by the NZVA in World Veterinary Day. By working together, veterinary professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of animals, people, and the environment.
