PROVINCE PROCLAIMS VETERINARIANS’ MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

The month of June has been proclaimed as Veterinarians' Month in Saskatchewan in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA).

"Veterinarians play a vital role in Saskatchewan's agricultural economy and the provincial economy as a whole," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Veterinarians provide valuable contributions in the areas of animal health, disease surveillance, public health and food safety."

Saskatchewan's first veterinarian was Dr. John Poett (1840-1895), who served with the North West Mounted Police in Battleford and also established a private practice at Maple Creek. The founding meeting of the SVMA was held in 1905 in Arcola, with provincial legislation respecting veterinarians brought into force on June 23, 1909.

"It is a humbling experience for me to learn about the pioneers of the SVMA," SVMA President Dr. Kenn Wood said. "Their dedication and commitment to the profession along with their caring and compassionate demeanour are the reason the public holds our profession in such high regard. We modern-day practitioners have big shoes to fill if we are to honour their legacy. I am particularly pleased we are marking our centennial by naming our Veterinarian of the Year award after one of our founding fathers, Dr. J.J. Murison, who practiced from Arcola, served as our first registrar and maintained his practice well into his 90s!"

Veterinarians' Month will be observed in conjunction with various activities associated with the SVMA's annual convention, Celebrating a Century of Progress, to be held June 19-21 in Saskatoon. A full description of events is available on the association's website at www.svma.sk.ca/.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 396-787-4031
Email: scott.brown@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-3851

Dr. Curt Hagele
SVMA
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-955-7863

Dr. Kenn Wood
SVMA
Ebenezer
Phone: 306-782-0169