Des Moines- February 16th, 2011 - Under the watchful eyes of more than 100 veterinarians and veterinary students, Governor Branstad signed a proclamation recognizing 2011 as World Veterinary Year and the 250th birthday of the veterinary profession. In addition, the declaration acknowledged the importance of veterinarians to the people and animals of the state of Iowa.
Members and officers of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) along with many Iowa State University veterinary students spent the morning in the capitol, listening to speeches on the House of Representatives floor before witnessing the signing. Governor Branstad then joined the group for lunch, fielding questions from many veterinary association members and students.
"Beyond vaccinating and neutering pets, people often forget the important role veterinarians play in our public health and food safety," says Dr. Tom Johnson, executive director of the IVMA. "All across this state and the country, veterinarians are directly responsible for maintaining the health of our livestock, protecting our food supply and identifying threats to human health."
In 1761, Claude Bourgelat established the very first veterinary school in Lyon, France. Like today, farmers, as well as the government, were concerned about how to control diseases in livestock and protect their food sources. In December, the United States Senate also designated 2011 as World Veterinary Year.
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