Vaccination is an essential tool for preventive veterinary medicine, according to the World Veterinary Association. The theme of World Veterinary Day 2019, set for April 27, is the "Value of Vaccination."

The WVA created World Veterinary Day in 2000 as an annual celebration of the veterinary profession, falling on the last Saturday of April. This year, the WVA has partnered with Health for Animals, the global animal medicines association, on the World Veterinary Day Award, which honors one WVA member's activities related to the theme.

"Vaccines are one of the most valuable tools in any veterinarian's arsenal," according to the award announcement. "These medicines protect the health of animals and the livelihood of farmers."

The WVA and Health for Animals will confer the World Veterinary Day Award for the best contribution on the annual theme by a WVA member association working alone or with other groups. The WVA partnered with Health for Animals to improve the visibility of the award and increase the prize to $2,500.

In 2018, the theme of World Veterinary Day was "The role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve livelihoods, food security, and safety." The Uganda Veterinary Association won the 2018 World Veterinary Day Award for giving visibility to the theme through press conferences, documentary television, radio talk shows, a march, open seminars, free services, and farm-based training.

Details about World Veterinary Day and the World Veterinary Day Award are available at the WVD website.