A Day of Recognition: Celebrating Veterinary Excellence

As cuba celebrates its annual Veterinary Medicine Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of veterinary professionals. Their commitment to animal health directly impacts the well-being of animals and, by extension, the entire community. This recognition extends to all who contribute to the field, including technicians and support staff.

The Global Standard: Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare

The pivotal role of veterinarians in animal welfare is underscored by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA). Since 2001, OMSA has recognized veterinarians as key figures in ensuring animal health and welfare standards worldwide. In Cuba, the National Center for Animal Health (CENASA) leads these efforts, aligning wiht international guidelines to safeguard animal health and food safety.

A Past Viewpoint: From Ancient Practices to Modern Science

The practice of veterinary medicine boasts a rich history,dating back to ancient civilizations. Evidence suggests that animal care was practiced in babylon as early as 1700 BC, with records found in the Hammurabi Code. Ancient philosophers, including Aristotle (384-322 BC), also explored animal health and well-being, documenting their observations in extensive writings on animal anatomy, behavior, and history. These early insights laid the groundwork for the development of modern veterinary science.

The Birth of a Profession: Formalizing Veterinary Education

The formalization of veterinary medicine began in 1761 with the establishment of the world’s first veterinary school in Lyon,France,under the reign of Louis XV. Claude bourgelat, the school’s founder, recognized the critical need for trained professionals to address complex animal health issues. His pioneering work, including the publication of “Elements of Veterinary Art,” established the scientific foundation for the profession. Bourgelat’s vision led to the creation of the Alfort Veterinary school in 1765, further solidifying veterinary medicine as a distinct and vital field.

Global Growth: Veterinary Education worldwide

Following the establishment of the first veterinary schools in France, similar institutions emerged across continents. Today, hundreds of universities worldwide offer comprehensive veterinary education and postgraduate training, reflecting the global importance of animal health and welfare.

Cuban Veterinary Medicine: A Legacy of Service

In Cuba, the first free school of veterinary Medicine was founded in havana on April 10, 1907, by Dr. Francisco Etchegoyen Montané and a team of professors trained in Europe and North America.The school initially enrolled 35 male students, and in 1934, Dr. Justina Gómez Piedra became the first woman to graduate from the program. By the time of the Cuban Revolution, 848 veterinarians had been trained. Since then, veterinary education has expanded, with faculties established in multiple provinces, resulting in thousands of graduates contributing to animal health across the country.

The Veterinarian’s Oath: A Commitment to Service

The veterinary profession is noble and of social benefit; It is indeed a service profession that has the main function of diagnosing, forecasting, preventing and treating diseases that affect productive, work, domestic, experimentation, experimentation and others.

Veterinarians serve as public servants,dedicated to the well-being of animals and the people who depend on them. Their work includes treating vulnerable animals, finding solutions for complex diseases, and preventing the transmission of diseases from animals to humans—a critical aspect of public health.

Unification and Recognition: A Pivotal Moment

March 24, 1961, marked a significant milestone in Cuban veterinary medicine with the signing of Resolution No. 254 by Fidel Castro and Antonio Núñez Jiménez. This resolution unified Cuban veterinary services under the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA). Consequently, March 24 is celebrated as the Day of the Worker of Cuban veterinary Medicine, honoring veterinarians, zootechnicians, technicians, and all who contribute to the field.

Looking Ahead: “Cuban Veterinarians for Food Security!”

The 2025 national celebration, themed “Cuban veterinarians for Food Security!”, is organized by CENASA with support from the Ministry of agriculture, the National Union of agricultural and Forestry Workers, provincial animal health departments, the Cuban Association of Veterinary Medicine, political organizations, and various institutions. This collaborative effort underscores the vital role of veterinary professionals in ensuring a safe and secure food supply.

A Personal Reflection: The Rewards of Veterinary Service

Choosing a career in veterinary medicine represents a commitment to animal welfare, public health, food safety, scientific advancement, and environmental stewardship. The profession offers diverse opportunities in production, services, teaching, research, and social dialog. It is a profession that extends far beyond the farm or clinic.