More than 3,350 delegates attended WSAVA World Congress in Singapore from 25-28 September, making it the mostpopular World Congress ever. Veterinarians from more than 66 countries participated, with strong attendances from theAsia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Australia.
The WSAVA says the record-breaking delegate numbers reflect the rapid growth of companion animal practice across Asia as levels of pet ownership soar. They also highlight the enthusiasm of veterinarians in Asia and around the world to learn from their peers and to participate in the WSAVA’s unique ‘global veterinary community’ of more than 200,000 companion animal practitioners.
The WSAVA has also announced details of its 44th World Congress, which will be hosted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and take place in Toronto, Canada, from 16-19 July 2019. Delegates are urged to take advantage of Super Early Bird rates which close on 30 October 2018. Early Bird rates are available until 10 April 2019.
WSAVA World Congress 2018 saw the launch of the WSAVA’s new Global Welfare Guidelines for Companion Animal Practitioners in addition to a comprehensive scientific program. WSAVA 2019 will feature more than 50 streams on topics including soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, pain, dentistry, welfare, dermatology and theriogenology. It will includecontent for veterinary nurses/vet techs and practice managers.
The WSAVA’s charitable Foundation’s ‘Fun(d) Run’ is a regular feature of the Congress program. The annual 5 km run or 3 km walk helps to save lives in Africa by raising funds to support the fight against rabies in Africa, led by the WSAVA Foundation’s AFSCAN project and charity Mission Rabies.
Commenting on plans for WSAVA 2019, WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “CE is at the heart of everything we do. Our annual World Congress is our flagship event and gives our community the opportunity to come together to learn, share ideas and forge relationships with colleagues from around the world. The success of World Congress in Singapore istestament to the meticulous planning of our host, the Singapore Veterinary Association, and the passion of veterinarians in Asia to deliver the very highest standards of care to their patients.
“We’re now focusing on ensuring our 2019 Congress is an equally stimulating and inspiring event. We are privileged that the world’s leading experts on all aspects of companion animal medicine will once again be sharing their knowledge and expertise with our members and are finalizing a range of exciting pre- and post-congress events and outreach programs,which will combine to make the Congress an unforgettable experience.”
The WSAVA works to enhance the clinical care of companion animals globally, representing more than 200,00 veterinarians around the world through 110 member associations. Its core activities include the creation of Global Guidelines which set standards for veterinary care and providing continuing education (CE) and other educational resources for its members, particularly those in which companion animal veterinary care is still emerging.