04/25/2026
“Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health” is the theme of the 2026 World Veterinary Day, today, April 25, 2026.
The WVA Council has selected the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health” to highlight the systemic role of veterinary services in safeguarding food safety, food security, public health, and animal health worldwide.
From farm to fork, veterinarians are at the frontline of ensuring that food of animal origin is safe, nutritious, and responsibly produced. Their work protects consumers, supports sustainable food systems, prevents zoonotic diseases, and strengthens global health security.
The 2026 theme recognizes that global food systems are increasingly interconnected and exposed to emerging disease threats, climate-related pressures, antimicrobial resistance, and economic volatility. In this context, veterinarians act not only as animal health professionals, but as essential actors in health security, sustainable food systems, and economic resilience/sustainability. World Veterinary Day 2026 aims to elevate public understanding and policy recognition of veterinary services as a cornerstone of sustainable and secure food systems.
This toolkit has been developed to support veterinary associations, institutions, and professionals in celebrating World Veterinary Day 2026, providing key messages, activity ideas, and communication strategies to promote the theme and raise public awareness.
Find out more at https://worldvet.org/activities/world-veterinary-day/