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A two days international virtual conference on “Emerging Challenges to Veterinary Profession (IVACON-2021) was organized at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana . Dr Yashpal Singh Malik, the Organizing Secretary and Dean of the College of Animal Biotechnology stated that the e-conference was organized by the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) in association with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Nearly 2000 participants from India and 26 other countries registered in this mega international event. Representatives of Asian countries like Nepal, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh congregated strong in the e-conference and shared their opinions, views, and suggestions towards existing challenges in the veterinary profession. The discussions during the technical sessions of the conference focused on “Animal Health and Production diseases”, “Antimicrobial resistance an alternatives” and “Animal Production, Prodcutivity enhancement Processing, and Marketing”. Speakers and special guests from countries like Britain, Australia, West Indies, Israel addressed the problems this sector is facing along with the foused approached to mitigate such challenges . Dr Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU, Dr. Praveen Malik, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, India, Mark Schipp, President, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and Sh. Tarun Sridhar, Former Secretary Animal Husbandry GoI, IAS (Retd.), addressed the inaugural session. Besides, the conference was delegated and addressed by Dr. Qaza Nizamuddin, President of Federation of Asian Veterinary Association, Dr. Peter, Thornber, Ex-President Commonwealth Veterinary Association, and Dr. Rafael Laguens, Elected President of World Veterinary Association, Dr. Sital Kaji Shrestha, President, Nepal Veterinary Association.
The IVA also awarded the front-running and enthusiastic veterinarians from various states and institutions for their immense contributions to the noble profession. The major takeaways and recommendations of the conference are the establishment of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing labs at the District/Talukas level in the country, enhancing and facilitating marketing opportunities/facilities of processed meat and eggs to promote entrepreneurship and profit of stakeholders and establishment and implementation of One-Health programs to fight against emerging zoonotic infections.
Dr. Praveen Malik expressed his satisfaction and ensured full support for the future endeavors promoting and advancing the veterinary profession. Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Bihar Animal Science University, Patna and Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Director, NIANP, Bangalore, appreciated the efforts of the organizers for this virtual event. Dr. Chirantan Kadian, president IVA, presented the review of the conference and inspired the young professionals to take the legacy of the veterinary profession to new heights and emphasize the important role of veterinarians in implementing the one health action.
