The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has postponed its 2020 World Congress because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global event was scheduled to be held in Warsaw, Poland, from 23-26 September, in collaboration with the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and the Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association (PSAVA). The Congress will now be held from 21-24 March 2021. The association’s 2021 Congress, set to run from 13-16 November in Hyderabad, India, will go ahead as scheduled.
The WSAVA said that postponing the World Congress had been a difficult decision but had been made following detailed discussions with FECAVA, PSAVA and its industry partners, sponsors and member associations. The new dates are the only ones possible for the Warsaw venue and, as a result, WSAVA Congress will fall immediately prior to BSAVA 2021. The two associations are exploring options to encourage delegates to attend both events, including offering a combined registration fee.
WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “While we are extremely disappointed to have to postpone WSAVA World Congress, the safety and well-being of our delegates, speakers and exhibitors are our absolute priorities. The continuing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to protect our colleagues ultimately made the decision a simple one.
“We are very appreciative that our friends and colleagues at FECAVA, PSAVA and BSAVA have worked together with us in a spirit of friendship and cooperation to help resolve this unprecedented problem. We are now looking forward to March 2021 and to hosting the world-class global congress for companion animal veterinarians that our Scientific Committee, FECAVA and PSAVA have been working so hard to create”.
The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 113 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide.
