Wellington vet gets international honour

Wellington vet gets international honourA Wellington vet has received a top international honour from the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in recognition of his work for the global veterinary profession.
Earlier this year, Dr Jim Edwards was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the veterinary profession and the community.
He has now been made an honorary member of the WVA. People who hold this position are ‘distinguished persons’ who are recognised for their outstanding service to the profession internationally. This new honour was announced at the WVA’s extra-ordinary presidents' assembly in Paris in late May.
It has been 10 years since the WVA last elected someone an honorary member. One of the previous appointees to this position is Dr Peter Doherty who won the Nobel Prize.
The WVA was formed in 1863 and represents the veterinary associations worldwide.
It promotes standards and competence and animal and human health and wellbeing through the sustainable and humane use and management of animals.
Dr Edwards served as president of the WVA for three years. He has also served as president of the New Zealand Veterinary Association and president of the Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations.
He is now the communications director for the WVA, working from his home in Manakau, just north of Wellington.
His wife, Pam, was the instigator of World Veterinary Day, which was first celebrated in 2001.