Today, World Veterinary Day, we salute veterinarians and other veterinary support personnel.
The 2012 theme focus is on antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobials are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoans. They either kill microbes (microbiocidal) or prevent the growth of microbes (microbiostatic). Antibiotics are also included in this group. Resistance is one of the reasons they may not be effective in doing what they are supposed to do when administered.
Unceasingly, veterinarians work to ensure animal health and the safety of food from farmed livestock. This includes careful antimicrobial use and monitoring of antimicrobial residues in meats, poultry and fish products consumed by humans.
Efforts at educating farmers and the wider public on proper antimicrobial use and efficient animal husbandry continue through seminars, field days, workshops, media appearances and printed material. The aim here is not only to educate, but also to attract persons into production to reduce importation, create local employment and produce livestock products acceptable to export markets.
During this year, the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) is increasing its public presence through interaction with service organizations, schools, citizens associations and service clubs. Requests for speaking engagements and public appearances by its member veterinarians continue to be received by the JVMA and are honored as best as possible.
In closing, let me take this opportunity, to thank all the organizations and individuals who co-partnered or sponsored activities of the JVMA and other veterinary efforts during the past year.
Dr. Robert Thomas (President)
Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association
