World Veterinary Day is celebrated on the last Saturday of April every year to raise awareness of veterinarians who play a critical role in safeguarding animal health, which directly translates to human well-being. This day reminds the general public of the role veterinarians play in preventing disease outbreaks that could affect both animal and human populations, Because of the meticulous monitoring of livestock health and implementing preventative measures, veterinarians ensure the safety of our food supply, safeguarding us from foodborne illnesses.

World Veterinarian Day was celebrated across Nagaland on Saturday.

MEDZIPHEMA:

World Veterinary Day 2024 was celebrated at Veterinary Field Assistant Training Institute (VFATI), Medziphema on 27th April 2024 under the theme “Veterinarians Are Essential Health Workers” organized by Nagaland Veterinarians Association and sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service, Nagaland.

Special invitee ADC Medziphema, James Swu while addressing the programme appreciated the Veterinarians for their role in contributing animal and human welfare. He highlighted the significance and responsibilities of Veterinarians, their vital role in productivities of livestock, which forms a crucial part in human life.

The ADC urged the Veterinarians to raise awareness and educate the people about combating zoonotic diseases and the department for organizing such an auspicious day. He thanked the Veterinarians for their contribution to the society and the nation as a whole.

Dr. K.N. Zubemo Humtsoe President, Nagaland Veterinarians Association (NVA) in his presidential address acknowledged the critical role that veterinarians play in safeguarding the interconnected health of animals, humans, and the environment.

“From ensuring food safety and security to combating zoonotic diseases and promoting public health, veterinarians play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interconnected health of our planet” said Dr. Humtsoe.

The message highlighted the diverse responsibilities of veterinarians, including research, education, policy advocacy, and community engagement. It also underscored the veterinary profession’s crucial contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The veterinary profession has truly proven to be an anthropocentric (concerned with humans) discipline, playing a pivotal role in areas such as feeding the society, keeping animals and humans healthy, and conserving wildlife,” the president added.

The President NVA called on all veterinarians in Nagaland and around the world to rededicate themselves to the profession with pride and unwavering dedication as essential health workers. The association also emphasized the potential of the livestock industry to improve the state’s living standards, health, economy, and environment.

Dr. H. Inato Jimomi Principal (VFATI) in his welcome and keynote Address thanked all the students VFATI, officers, veterinarians for attending the programme. He specially thanked Special invitee ADC, Medziphema James Swu for his concern for the department and honouring with his presence. Dr. H. Inato highlighted the importance of Veterinarians, who Veterinarians are? How World Veterinary Day came into being? How veterinarians are trained and the role of veterinarians in animal life, and how they served the society as a whole.

Dr. K.N. Zubemo Humtsoe extends heartfelt gratitude to each and every Veterinarian for their unwavering dedication and contributions to the betterment of the world as a whole and the state of Nagaland in particular.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Anguale Khate and invocation was pronounced by Dr. Chungpongsuwa. Short speech was delivered by Metseihoukho Kuotsu, vote of thanks by Dr. Mengu Chielie and benediction by Dr. Takuyanger.

KOHIMA:

The Chief Veterinary Office, Kohima joined the global community in observing the World Veterinary Day 2024 under the theme “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers.” on 27th April 2024. The event which took place at Veterinary Hospital Kohima and Chiephobozou, aimed to emphasize the crucial role veterinarians play in ensuring the health and well-being of both animals and humans.

Dr. Ilang, Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima, spoke on the significance of World Veterinary Day, highlighting the diverse contributions of veterinarians to society. He stressed their roles in areas such as food security, ecological balance, biomedical research, and economic development. Dr. Ilang also addressed concerns regarding the status of veterinarians as essential health workers, urging the government to reconsider its policy and reinstate the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) as an essential services department in Nagaland.

The event featured a presentation on rabies awareness by Dr. Aonungla Jamir, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (VAS) Kohima. Dr. Atouzo Pienyu, VAS Kohima, chaired the program. The programme included free consultation and anti-rabies vaccinations for animals particularly dogs. The initiative was organized by the Nagaland Veterinary Association and the Chief Veterinary Office, Kohima, with sponsorship from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland.

TUENSANG:

Along with the rest of the Country Tuensang District observe World Veterinary Day on the theme ‘Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers’ on 27th April 2024 at CVO Office Tuensang.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Aojongshi Chang F/M, SCRC highlighted the importance of Veterinary Day observation as it recognises and honour the contribution of Veterinarians in the field of healthcare and promoting public health.  He stated that the aim of Celebration is to promote the Veterinary profession and work on improvement of the animal and human welfare food safety and practices of animal transport and quarantine. He added that Veterinarians help prevent and treat illness in animals which in return improve the economy of state, improve the breeds of livestock and improve the health of the people.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Viluho Jakha VAS (MVU) Tuensang.

WOKHA:

Along with the rest of the world Wokha district also observed the World veterinary Day on 27th April 2024 at Veterinary Hospital, Wokha.

SDO (C) Nuhuta Tunyi, while speaking during the occasion, congratulated all the officials and staff of Veterinary department for valuable service and contribution rendered in the service of animal health as well as human health and environment and encouraged them to take up pro-active steps and measures in providing notable service to the people of the district.

Dr. Yanben Kikon, VAS speaking on the theme “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers” said that veterinarians illuminate a pivotal role in global health presenting crucial guardians at the intersection of human animal and environmental wellbeing. Stressing on the importance of the department he stated that the Veterinary Department was inducted under essential services by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic as the emergent animal services as shutting down of veterinary services cannot be ignored. Shutting down of veterinary services would affect not only animals’ health and welfare but also human health as well.

He further said that with the provision of Mobile Veterinary Unit in every district, farmers and entrepreneurs could now avail veterinary services anytime by dialing toll free number 1962. The state veterinary department also works in collaboration with various departments such as Agri. ATMA, NSRLM, ICAR-KVK, IFAD by providing recourse person to address the grievances of the farmers and to uplift their economy.

Dr. Gwazenlo addressing on the outbreak of African swine fever stated that ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic losses with mortality rate up to 100%. He stated that highest bio-security measures are adopted while rearing pigs to prevent the spread of the African swine fever. He also informed all to report to veterinary department if such cases are detected so that timely action can be initiated.

Dr. Kheshelie, Epidemiologist District Hospital Wokha also delivered short speech.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Mhonlumi Lotha, Chief Veterinary Officer, Wokha and Dr. Sentinungla AO proposed the welcome address while Dr. Wopenthung Odyuo delivered the vote of thanks.

KIPHIRE:

The World Veterinary Day 2024 was observed in Kiphire under the theme “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers” at the Veterinary Hospital, Kiphire, on April 27th 2024.

During the event, Dr. Tsulise District Livestock Development officer (DLDO) & incharge of Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Officer Kiphire, attended as the theme speaker.

In his Message, Dr. Tsulise said that Veterinarians are professionals specialised in multi-disciplinary fields, and have huge role to play for the wellbeing of both the animals as well as the human beings. The department holds huge responsibility for upliftment of rural economy through fully utilising skills and knowledge in caring the livestock. We also play crucial role for the wellbeing of human beings.  Dr Tsulise said this while informing that 80% of the human disease was transmitted from animals. He added that if we could raise livestock in proper manner putting check on animal diseases, human health will be better.

Dr. Tsulise also highlighted on his new research based on 2011 human population census, and livestock census 2019. He informed that requirement of livestock for Kiphire District is 4000 tons, whereas meat availability especially pork is only 2000 tons, with shortage of 2000 tons. With the knowledge of this he suggests and encouraged every household to promote rearing two to three piglets to attain livestock availability in the District.

The theme speaker also said Government has designated the department as the most essential department and encouraged the Department officials and staffs to serve with sincerity and dedication and live up to its designated name.

Earlier, short speeches were spoken by Dr. Talitemjen Longkumer VAS and Lithrongtsi, Junior F/M.

During the celebration several field workers were felicitated for sincerity in their assigned duties. Benjungtemsu invoked invocation and vote of thanks by James VFA. The programme was chaired by Dr. Khumjungse VAS.

ZUNHEBOTO:

Along with the rest of the world, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Zunheboto celebrated World Veterinary Day on 27th April 2024 at North Point Colony, Zunheboto town under the theme “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers”.

The public were sensitized about the importance of timely vaccination of pet animals and its crucial role in prevention of zoonotic diseases. Free Anti-Rabies vaccination and animal health camp was conducted by the department through Dr. Vilitoli Y. Kiba (VAS) and Dr. Enavi P. Kiho(VAS). Altogether 35 farmers were benefitted from free animal health camp and 126 numbers of animals were vaccinated against rabies.

PHEK:

Phek district observed World Veterinary Day at Jericho Colony Hall, Phek under the theme “Veterinarians are Essential Health Workers,” on 27th April 2024.

Invocation was pronounced by Vesivo Chizo, Chaplain, District Jail Phek Christian Fellowship.

Dr. Esther Krocha CVO, Phek & Finance Secretary NVA presented the keynote address while Dr. Tshokedu Keyho VAS, Khezhakeno, read out the NVA Presidential address.

Power point presentations on “Public Health & Zoonosis” and on “Rabies Prevention & Control” were made by Dr. Velilu Epao and Dr. Rosou Pohena VAS, Pfutsero.

Dr. Diko Nusory, DDDO, Phek, Chaired the program and Dr. Shipatu Thupitor VAS, Meluri proposed the vote thanks.