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“WVA President Dr. René Carlson says: “The availability and use of antimicrobials are essential to ensure the good health and welfare of animals as well as people. After years of promoting awareness about the dangers of misusing antimicrobials, it is time we recognise the actions organisations around the world are taking to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in both animals and people to prevent further development of antimicrobial resistance and the proper disposal of antimicrobials to protect our environment, such as our waterways and oceans. This is a One Health issue for which all health care providers, both human and veterinary, must take personal responsibility”.” The OIE and the WVA jointly celebrate World Veterinary Day 2017 On World Veterinary Day, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) http://www.worldvet.org/ pay tribute to the crucial role played by veterinarians in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This year, the event focuses on the action the profession can take to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments, which are essential resources to protect human health as well as animal health and welfare. Throughout the day, and all around the world, the many initiatives led by veterinarians to raise awareness on this essential issue in their countries will come under the spotlight. THEME 2017 ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE - FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION   Paris/Brussels, 29 April 2017 – The availability and use of antimicrobial drugs has transformed the practice of human and animal medicine. Infections that were once lethal are now treatable, and the use of antimicrobial agents has advanced global health as well as animal health, which is a key component of animal welfare, food security and safety. Safeguarding the efficacy of these life-saving medications, as well as their availability and effectiveness for both human and veterinary use, is essential to preserve our future. However, overuse and misuse of these drugs in humans, animals and plants sectors has dramatically accelerated the emergence of resistance to antimicrobials. During its General Assembly in September 2016, the United Nations acknowledged that “Antmicrobial resistance reduces our ability to protect the health of animals and therefore is threatening safe and sustainable food and agriculture production.  Veterinary practitioners have a key part to play in the fight against antimicrobial resistance: they are the direct interlocutors of paraprofessionals as well as farmers and animal owners, and can trigger a sustainable change in behaviour towards a responsible and prudent antimicrobial use. “Through their role in supervising the use of antimicrobials, offering professional advice to farmers and animal owners and collaborating with the human health sector, veterinarians have a key role to play in combatting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. They are at the forefront to promote sound animal husbandry hygiene methods and the implementation of accurate vaccination strategies” highlights Dr Monique Eloit, OIE Director General. “They have the responsibility to raise awareness among farmers and animal owners on the prudent use of antibiotics and these actions are supported worldwide by the OIE Global Strategy against antimicrobial resistance”.  WVA President Dr René Carlson says: “The availability and use of antimicrobials are essential to ensure the good health and welfare of animals as well as people. After years of promoting awareness about the dangers of misusing antimicrobials, it is time we recognise the actions organisations around the world are taking to promote the responsible use of antimicrobials in both animals and people to prevent further development of antimicrobial resistance and the proper disposal of antimicrobials to protect our environment, such as our waterways and oceans. This is a One Health issue for which all health care providers, both human and veterinary, must take personal responsibility”.  ARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD VETERINARY DAY AWARD 2017! Spread the word on the activities which you held at this occasion or during the year and take the chance to win the World Veterinary Day Award! The competition is open to all WVA member associations, alone, or in cooperation with any other selected body. The winner will be announced at the Opening Ceremony of the OIE 85th General Session on 21 May 2017 (Paris, France) and the award will be presented to the winner during the World Veterinary Congress 2017 from 27th -31st August 2017 (Incheon, Rep. of Korea).   How to enter the competition?   ANNOUNCEMENT     APPLICATION FORM Entries accepted until 10 May 2017   Useful links: OIE Strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance and the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials OIE Director General‘s Editorial on AMR OIE web portal on antimicrobial resistance WVA Position paper on responsible use of Antimicrobials