World Veterinary Day Celebrations 2019 and other activities by the Kenya Veterinary Association
To mark the 2019 World Veterinary Day celebrations, themed, “the value of vaccination” the Kenya Veterinary Association rolled out a number of activities: (1) 53rd Kenya Veterinary Association annual scientific conference; (2) livestock producers’ exhibition and field day (3) several community outreach and training activities such as mentoring veterinary students and training of animal health professionals through CPD events.
The scientific conference
The 53rd Kenya Veterinary Association annual scientific conference themed, “Value of vaccinations” was held from 24th to 26th April 2019 at the Acacia Premier Hotel in Kisumu and attended by a total of 447 participants who included: the veterinary surgeons, veterinary paraprofessionals, representatives from the Veterinary Students Association, and key players in the sector. The event was made possible by support from 32 partners/sponsors who ranged from Government agencies, pharmaceutical industry, academia, research organization, animal welfare organizations, private practitioners, animal product processors, non-governmental agencies, small, medium and large livestock producers. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders and value chain players to share and learn the new innovations, technological advancements and new research findings that directly or indirectly facilitates the realization of the immense potential held by the livestock sector.
Publicity poster for the WVD celebrations and KVA conference
Chief administrative secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries addressing the media on the theme of WVD prior to KVA conference
Chairman addressing the media on the theme of WVD prior to KVA conference
Registration of participants during the conference
A section of the participants during the conference
One of the presentations during the KVA conference
Community outreach and training activities
Community outreach and training activities encompassed: (1) procession with banners, band brochures, leaflets and branding for the World Veterinary Day messages along major cities and towns in Kenya; (2) livestock producer’s exhibitions at Alendu area in Kisumu targeting the general public and livestock producers to create awareness on importance of vaccinations among other animal husbandry measures.; (3) a live concert and an educative performance with key messages on world veterinary day and its theme designed to create awareness among the public on the World Veterinary Day celebrations and value of vaccinations. This was done through Sangalewa dancers, drama performances by local actors; (4) vaccination of livestock against foot and mouth disease, vaccination of dogs against rabies and population control of dogs through spaying.
The field day was made possible by 255 Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary paraprofessionals, 25 representatives of the members of the veterinary student association and 55 veterinary interns.
WVD Celebrations procession in Kisumu City
WVD Celebration procession band in Kisumu City
An exhibitor during WVD field day explaining to principal secretary-State dept of livestock about his animal health products.
Entertainment during WVD celebrations
The Principal Secretary -State department of livestock addressing farmers and other attendees during the World veterinary day celebrations in Kisumu
The chairman Kenya Veterinary association addressing farmers and other attendees during the World veterinary day celebrations in Kisumu
Vaccination of dogs by Kenya animal health professionals
Spaying of dogs by Kenya Veterinary Surgeons
Part of the attendees during the WVD celebrations
KVA member training farmers on importance of disease control measures (vaccinations, good animal husbandry
CPD activity on one of KVA branches prior to WVD Celebrations
Kenya veterinary vaccines production institute exhihibiting the various vaccines produced at the institute and educating the public on importance of vaccinations during WVD celebrations
KVA in collaboration with World Animal Protection mentoring and informing Veterinary students about the WVD theme and related activities prior to the celebrations
Local farmer representatives thanking Kenya veterinary association for vaccinating their livestock and pets during the wvd celebrations fied day.
Rabies vaccination poster prior to WVD Celebrations by KVA collaborating counties
Public Media Sensitization (Video clips)
Public media discussions were held prior to the World Veterinary Day Celebrations to sensitize the public on various issues ranging from recent outbreaks of anthrax in Kenya by the Director of Veterinary Services and proper identification of animal health professionals and stewardship of antimicrobials by the Veterinary Medicine Directorate.