Today, Agriculture Minister David Marit proclaimed October 1-7, 2023, as Animal Health Week in Saskatchewan. The week recognizes the high level of care ranchers provide to their livestock, the veterinarian-client relationships that inform animal care decisions and the links between human and animal health and the environment.

“Keeping animals healthy is a team effort,” Marit said. “This proclamation allows us to recognize the veterinary professionals and producers that work hard every day to prioritize animal health and welfare on farms across the province.”

Animal Health Week has been an annual event for more than 30 years, proclaimed nationally by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and supported by the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).

“The team approach to animal health care is crucial to its success,” SVMA President Dr. Zachary Johnson said. “The collaborative efforts between those working in the veterinary profession and the producers is essential to sustaining a productive and healthy agriculture sector.”

This year’s national theme is “It Takes a Team? To Protect Your Animal’s Health and You.” This year’s theme recognizes all veterinary professionals, from technicians and assistants to office managers and administrative staff, and the work they do. 

More information about animal health and welfare in Saskatchewan can be found at saskatchewan.ca/livestock.

(Government of Saskatchewan news release)