Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations

The idea of forming a regional organization whose membership will be composed of the different professional veterinary associations of Asia was started by the officers of the Philippine Veterinary Association in December,1974 led by its President, Dr.Teodulo M. Topacio, Jr.

During, the Annual Convention (Congress) of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), held in February 20-21, 1976. The presidents of the interested associations were invited to attend on February 18, 1976, the officers of the PVMA led by Dr.Topacio, met with Dr. Katsuji Sugimura, of the National institute of Animal Health and in charge of foreign affairs of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA)

Since its founding, FAVA has held the FAVA Congress every two years, hosted by the respective country Veterinary Association, The Executive Council of FAVA meets every year and likewise is hosted by the respective country Veterinary Association,

During this meeting it was agreed that the veterinary associations of Asia should be organized into one federation. A Declaration of Purpose embodying the objectives and the reasons for the establishment of such a federationwas drafted and finalized. The constitution and by-laws was also drafted. It was agreed that these documents will be presented to all the interested Asian Veterinary Associations for comments and suggestions. Then it should be finalized in a meeting of all the concerned representatives of the veterinary associations. It was also agreed that the name of the federation will be called: “The Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA)”. The formal organization and first congress will be held in Manila when the concerned associations are ready to discuss the constitution and by-laws for final approval.

In February, 1977, a new set of officers of the PVMA were elected for the year 1977-78. It was led by Dr. Rodolfo S. Peneyra as the new President. The officers believed that the formal organization of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FAVA) was now ready. It was decided that the 1st FAVA Congress should be held sometime in February, 1978. The 1st FAVA Congress and the 1st Executive Council of Representatives was finally held in Manila on February 21-23, 1978, at the Philippine International Convention Center.

There were 6 country veterinary associations that sent their representatives to the 1st Congress and were therefore considered Charter Members. These were (in alphabetical order):

1. Chinese Society of Veterinary Science (Taiwan)
2. Indonesian Veterinary Association
3. Japan Veterinary Medical Association
4. Korean Veterinary Medical Association
5. Association of Veterinary Surgeons of Malaysia (Now called: Veterinary Association of Malaysia)
6. Philippines Veterinary Medical Association

As a regional organization, FAVA can be considered as having accomplished its objective of fostering closer relationships and understanding among the veterinarians of Asia which were non-existent before 1978. This therefore can be considered as its most significant achievement. Furthermore to show that Asian veterinary associations have additional country veterinary associations of the region joined FAVA. These are:

1. Australia – Australian Veterinary Association
2. Bangladesh – Bangladesh Veterinary Association
3. India – Indian Veterinary Association
4. New Zealand – New Zealand Veterinary Association
5. Pakistan – Pakistan Veterinary Medical Association
6. Singapore – Singapore Veterinary Association
7. Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka Veterinary Association
8. Thailand – Thai Veterinary Medical Association under The Royal Patronage

A significant event in the history of FAVA was when Australia and New Zealand veterinary associations joined the Federation. Although, Australia and New Zealand veterinarians are non-Asians, they realized that geographically, professionally and commercially, they are inexorably linked to Asia. Hence the Australia and New Zealand Veterinary Associations opted to join FAVA.

Through FAVA, Asian veterinarians including those from Australia and New Zealand began to know the research and educational activities of all the member country associations.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of the people in the region through responsible animal care and welfare by unified professional association.