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Animal Health at the Core of Pandemic Prevention: Recommendations for the 2026 UN High-Level Meeting
As preparations advance towards the 2026 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), attention is turning from high-level political commitments to concrete implementation. Building on the 2023 Political Declaration and in parallel with the Pandemic Agreement negotiations and the AMR Political Declaration follow-up, stakeholders are now seeking to ensure that One Health is effectively operationalised. In this context, Action for Animal Health, with the support of the World Veterinary Association, has published a set of targeted recommendations calling for animal health to be firmly embedded within the 2026 Declaration.
WVA Announces Council for the term 2026–2028
The WVA is pleased to announce the outcome of its recent elections and introduce the newly elected Council for the term 2026–2028. Following the second round of voting for the position of President-Elect, Dr Olatunji Nasir has been elected as WVA President-Elect. At the end of April, Dr Isao Kurauchi will assume the Presidency of the WVA, working alongside the newly elected Council to advance the voice and impact of the veterinary profession worldwide.
WVA theme for World Veterinary Day 2026 – Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health
WVA is happy to celebrate World Veterinary Day (WVD) 2026 with the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health” will be the official observed globally on 25 April 2026. Selected by the WVA Council, the 2026 theme highlights the critical and systemic role veterinarians play in safeguarding food safety, food security, public health, and animal health worldwide. From farm to fork, veterinarians are on the frontline of ensuring that food of animal origin is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced.
Celebrating Excellence in Global Veterinary Leadership: WVA Global Veterinary Awards 2026
The World Veterinary Association (WVA) is delighted to announce that the nominations for the WVA Global Veterinary Awards 2026 is now open! Join us in celebrating outstanding veterinarians whose work is shaping the future of the profession worldwide. These prestigious Awards honour veterinarians whose contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact on animal, human, and environmental health, reflecting the core values and strategic priorities of the WVA.
WVA Position Statements
Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Position Statement on Welfare of Animals During Land Transportation – Terrestrial livestock and poultry
Farm animals have historically been subject to human-imposed constraints, prioritising production efficiency in agricultural techniques. However, there is a growing consensus on prioritising animal health and welfare, particularly during transportation, where millions of live animals are transported globally each year. Unfortunately, animal transportation poses significant risks to welfare, and animals may suffer poor conditions or death due to factors like unfit animal selection, inappropriate vehicle design, inconsiderate handling techniques, too long distances and inadequate feed, water, break facilities, and preparation, as well as harsh climatic conditions, including severe heat or cold stress, among others. These issues not only lead to suffering but can also result in financial losses from carcass bruising and other causes of downgrade, impacting food safety and non-alignment with the One Health approach. Animal transportation, whether over short or long distances, inevitably causes stress due to herding and loading techniques, tight spaces, unfamiliarity with the loaded peers, vehicle and conditions at the destination, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
Animal Welfare
10 Mar 2026
Factsheet on Brachycephaly in Dogs
WVA promotes the development and enforcement of appropriate national welfare standards and regulations for aquaculture, training in aquatic veterinary medicine and investment in education and capacity-building to ensure proper care, welfare, and management of aquatic animals.Brachycephaly refers to a spectrum of skull conformations characterised by shortening of the muzzle and upper airways. Not all short-nosed dogs experience severe problems; welfare outcomes depend on the degree of anatomical alteration, individual health status, and management. However, extreme brachycephaly is strongly associated with significant health and welfare concerns. Breeds such as the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug have increased sharply in popularity. Many people are unaware that certain exaggerated facial features, while perceived as “cute”, are linked to abnormal conformation that may severely compromise health, reduce quality of life, and require costly medical or surgical interventions.
One Health
28 Feb 2026
WVA Position Statement on Veterinarians as Healthcare Professionals
The statement recognises veterinarians as trusted health professionals whose work supports physical, mental, and social well-being through animal health, welfare, food safety, and the human–animal bond. Beyond clinical care, veterinarians contribute significantly to public and environmental health, disease prevention, and the protection of safe food systems under the One Health framework. Their role is particularly critical in managing zoonotic diseases, supporting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening livelihoods—especially in low- and middle-income countries. The WVA calls for greater recognition of veterinarians as essential healthcare professionals contributing to healthier societies worldwide.
One Health
28 Feb 2026
WVA Position on the Environmental Pillar of One Health
The statement highlights the critical link between ecosystem health and the wellbeing of animals, humans, and plants. underscores the urgent need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and emerging zoonotic diseases through stronger environmental integration within One Health. It calls for cross-sectoral collaboration, increased investment, and policy integration to tackle the environmental determinants of health at their source. The WVA emphasizes the essential role of veterinarians in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, pollution control, and disease surveillance. Strengthening the environmental dimension of One Health is vital to preventing future pandemics and ensuring sustainable global health.