The human population reached six billion in 1999 and will be seven billion by the year 2010. Even though the rate of population growth is slowing, there is an inevitable climb in human numbers that will place enormous demands on our planet Earth. The WVA recognises these demands and the pressures that will be placed on our environment in the effort to produce sufficient food. We veterinarians will be able to contribute to ensure that food production is done in a sustainable way so that we do not destroy the limited land and water resources that we have around the globe. There is little opportunity to develop more of these resources without further damage to what is left of the ecological balance we have now.
Veterinarians have an integral role in the food chain.
Though the use of our expertise in farming and animal production, we have a societal obligation to ensure a plentiful supply of safe food that is free of disease, toxins and residues. We have had several episodes in recent years where food safety has been of public concern. We can expect the public and the regulators to become even more reliant on our profession for assurances of food safety. Human welfare and animal welfare are also closely related. The companionship of animals is very important to our emotional well being and can influence the way that we humans treat one another.