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As part of its recently launched Pet Health Month campaign in Vietnam, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), in collaboration with the Vietnamese Small Animal Veterinary Association (VSAVA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), brought together more than 120 students from the veterinary community for an in-depth workshop at the Nong Lam University (University of Agriculture and Forestry) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Veterinarians Ngo Hong Phuong and Nguyen Thi Huyen presented on pet nutrition trends and feline parvoviral enteritis, highlighting the relationship between feeding adequate nutrition while receiving medical treatment for feline leukemia. It is important to feed cats a high quality and balanced diet, such as complete pet food, when they are under the care of a veterinarian. The knowledge-rich session fueled discussions and questions among the veterinary students, who heard from veterinarians on their practical experiences in examining and treating pets.
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Recent market research from the AFIA shows that a growing number of Vietnamese veterinarians are likely to recommend U.S. pet food to pet owners who are willing to invest in proper nutrition so that their pets live fuller, healthier and longer lives.
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"The AFIA and its members can deliver high quality, safe and nutritious pet food, treats and ingredients to the Vietnamese market so that pet caretakers have the confidence that the foods they are feeding their pets is safe, complete and balanced to meet their nutritional needs," said Louise Calderwood, AFIA director of regulatory affairs, at Nong Lam University. "Through our partnership with the VSAVA, we are committed to stressing the importance of the relationship between pet owners and their veterinarians, which will ensure that pets receive the best routine, preventative care and good counsel on diets to help their pets thrive, based on their specific life stages and health needs."
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Associate professor Dr. Le Quang Thong, dean of the faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine and VSAVA president, added:
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"Each pet requires a unique approach to nutrition and physical activity. Pet Health Month in Vietnam is a great opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of pet health care and good nutrition. We encourage veterinary clinics to enhance professionalism and provide top-notch services to meet the diverse needs of pet owners."
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Attending the event, Matthew Kustel, economic chief at the U.S. consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City, shared:
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"I strongly believe the collaboration between the USDA, AFIA and VSAVA will empower pet owners with knowledge and resources for healthy pet care. This partnership will also enable veterinarians to engage with the community and share their knowledge to support healthy pets in Vietnam while fostering the business of veterinary medicine, which is crucial for the well-being of Vietnam's pet population."
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With the success of the two workshops, the Pet Health Month campaign has affirmed its important role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of the veterinary community, with the end goal of contributing to an increasingly developed and modern Vietnamese veterinary system.
Pet Health Month continues with a series of exciting events:
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Oct. 19: Super Pet Fest at the Youth Culture House. Pet lovers can interact, receive free pet check-ups, watch training demonstrations and learn valuable information about pet care. This is also a great opportunity for pet lovers and veterinary businesses to meet, connect and build a responsible and knowledgeable community. Interested individuals can register for the Super Pet Fest by Oct. 19.
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Oct. 24: Educational workshop at Pet Like Park complex.
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Pet Health Month is a significant milestone, opening a new chapter for the pet-loving community in Vietnam toward a future where pets receive professional and responsible care. The collaboration between the AFIA, VSAVA and USDA has created a solid foundation to realize this vision.
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