开创世界兽医日的目的在于庆祝兽医行业为社会所做出的贡献和成就。2011年，OIE世界动物卫生组织将世界兽医日的主题定为“狂犬病”。西共体联盟（即西非国家经济共同体联盟）定于2011年5月9日在尼日利亚首都阿布贾举行世界兽医日的庆祝活动，此次活动的主题是“西共体联盟地区所面临的狂犬病防控问题”。西共体联盟委员会将与尼日利亚兽医协会合作，举行一系列活动，强调该地区防控人畜共患病的重要性。西共体成员国将参加此次活动，共同分享在人畜共患病防控方面的经验，进而对该地区的人畜共患病防控提出可行性意见及建议。

World Veterinary Day in Nigeria

World Veterinary Day Celebration (VET 2011) by the ECOWAS Commission on the theme: ‘Challenges in the Control of Rabies in the ECOWAS region’, 9th May 2011, Abuja, Nigeria. In celebration of the tremendous work done and achievements recorded in the veterinary profession, the OIE dedicated this year to celebrate the profession on the theme of one of the longest known zoonosis-Rabies. The ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, will celebrate the World Veterinary Day on the theme ‘Challenges in the Control of Rabies in the ECOWAS region’, to underscore the importance of this zoonosis in the region. ECOWAS Member States will participate at this workshop to share their experiences and make recommendations towards the control of this zoonosis in the region, as well as prepare for the world celebration of the veterinary profession in South Africa, later in the year.