Animal health and welfare: a growing concern

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Extract from the article: Animal welfare is a fundamental aspect of veterinary medicine. It encompasses ethical, scientific and social considerations. Veterinarians strive to ensure decent living conditions for all animals, whether companion animals or production animals.

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Animal welfare is a fundamental aspect of veterinary medicine. It encompasses ethical, scientific and social considerations. Veterinarians strive to ensure decent living conditions for all animals, whether companion animals or production animals. Furthermore, respect for welfare principles promotes better physical and mental health in animals, thereby reducing the risk of disease.

Animal health is more than just the absence of disease. It encompasses a complete state of physical, emotional and social well-being. Animal health is our health too. To guarantee this balance, several pillars are essential.

A healthy, adapted diet

Every animal species, and indeed every individual, has specific nutritional needs. Diet must therefore be balanced, of high quality, and adjusted to criteria such as age, breed, activity level and state of health. A poor diet can lead to numerous pathologies, while proper nutrition is an essential basis for well-being.

Preventive veterinary medicine

Regular visits to the vet should not be neglected. Not only do they enable vaccinations to be kept up to date, they also help to prevent and detect health problems at an early stage. Annual check-ups are a valuable opportunity to ensure early detection of illnesses, which are often silent in their early stages.

Physical exercise and mental stimulation

Movement is vital. An active animal is generally a healthier animal. Physical exercise helps maintain an optimal weight, preserve joints and strengthen the immune system. But we mustn't forget the importance of mental stimulation : play, learning and social interaction. These elements promote the animal's overall development.

A shared responsibility

Taking care of the health and well-being of animals is not only a moral obligation, but also a source of happiness and complicity. It's a genuine emotional investment that nurtures the unique bond between pet and guardian.

Beyond the home, this responsibility also extends to farm animals, which are often neglected, and to wild animals whose habitats are under threat.  The article “The One Health Concept”, published by English microbiologist Sarah Jane Pitt in 2024, highlighted the close link between animal welfare, in all its dimensions, and human and environmental health. This “One Health” concept recognizes the interdependence between the health of animals, humans and ecosystems.

Raising awareness for action

Promoting animal health also means providing information. It is essential to continue raising awareness among pet owners, industry professionals and the general public of the importance of responsible, ethical practices. This requires education and regulation, but also the fundamental respect due to all forms of life.

Raymond DZAKPATA