A Veterinary Awakening: The History of Government Veterinarians in Australia Other format As told by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's veterinarians Written by Rhyll Vallis Foreword and Acknowledgements Some amazingly detailed and scholarly accounts of the history of the veterinary profession have been written -- but this is not one of them. As a small booklet, this document can only paint the very broadest brushstrokes of the history of government veterinarians (vets) in Australia. This booklet also aims to celebrate the many achievements of government vets in Australia, and reveal the obstacles they faced, without -- hopefully -- boring the reader to death. Some personal observations (in brackets) are scattered throughout the booklet to keep things interesting. While an anecdotal history, this booklet refers to existing historical research, and uncovers a past which does government vets and the veterinary profession in general great credit. It is fitting, then, that this booklet is the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's official contribution to celebrating World Veterinary Year in 2011. Many people assisted the production of this booklet by providing materials, comments, references and permissions. They include the following: state and territory Chief Veterinary Officers; staff and members of the Australian Veterinary Association and Australian Veterinary Historical Society; and staff from CSIRO AAHL, Animal Health Australia and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Vets will be relieved to know that in 2011 it's unlikely they'll be required to chant incantations, make a ritual sacrifice, perform