Recently, Agriculture Minister David Marit proclaimed October 4 to 10, as Animal Health Week in Saskatchewan.
This year’s national theme, Understanding Zoonotic Diseases, reminds animal owners of the importance of relationships with their veterinary team in protecting their family and animals from disease. Animal Health Week recognizes the high level of care Saskatchewan ranchers provide and the important vet-client relationships that guide animal care decisions.
“Animal Health Week is an important reminder for all animal owners about the importance of animal care,” Marit said. “Animal health is a key element of any successful operation and our producers follow best practices to provide a high level of care for their animals.”
Animal Health Week has been celebrated across Canada for more than 30 years and is proclaimed nationally by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The week is supported in Saskatchewan by the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA). This year, the CVMA is using the week’s theme to encourage animal owners to have regular contact with their veterinarian regarding animal health and vaccination.
“The SVMA is proud to support Animal Health Week and the spotlight it sheds on the importance of veterinary care; specifically, how that interaction affects humans,” SVMA President Nick Hawkins said. “The impact of zoonotic diseases from livestock to wildlife to pets can be wide-ranging and your veterinary care team is there to help ensure the safety of humans and animals alike.”
More information about animal health and welfare in Saskatchewan can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/livestock.
