For immediate release: 07/30/2021 WVA Says AVMA Demonstrated “Stellar National and International Leadership” (SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS) July 30, 2021– World Veterinary Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April to recognize the work of veterinarians around the world and their contributions to improving animal health and welfare, as well as public health. This year, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and HealthforAnimals recognized the contributions of the veterinary profession to protect animal and human health during the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 29, 2021, the WVA and HealthforAnimals presented the World Veterinary Day Award to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to recognize their immediate response to meet the new challenges arising from the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Integral to the AVMA’s response was the development and implementation of an impressive multi-tiered internal and external communications program anchored by a dedicated online COVID-19 Resource Center that was made available to veterinarians around the world in February 2020—three weeks before the WHO’s global pandemic declaration.