World War I was a turning point in the veterinary profession, highlighting the vital role of veterinarians in the health and care of the equine population used in the conflict.
Upwards of six million horses were involved in the war, with hundreds of thousands of injuries veterinarians hadn’t seen before, says Dr. Lisa Cox, an OVC Postdoctoral Fellow in Veterinary History. “Veterinarians had a very visible, public role in WWI that set them apart from the more informally trained equine practitioners at the time. This role, along with their work in meat inspection and eradication of various diseases, really served as a foundation for their professional status going forward.”
Cox provided an in-depth overview on the history of veterinarians in WWI to more than 60 invited guests, during a special viewing of the of the “Canadian Veterinarians Caring for War Horses” exhibit at the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum (CAFM) in Ottawa last week. The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) collaborated in mounting this exhibit, including many items from the OVC’s C.A.V. Barker Museum of Canadian Veterinary History.
Guests included Canadian veterinary and agriculture school deans, government representatives and OVC alumni.
“Dr. Cox’s presentation was excellent and the information fascinating,” says OVC alumnus Dr. Andrew Sparling, Osgoode Veterinary Services, who attended with his wife Manon Laframboise.
Guests view the Canadian Veterinarians Caring for War Horses exhibit.
Cox began a project in 2011 to rediscover and use OVC’s historical collection for the OVC’s 150th anniversary. This OVC collection, the largest and most diverse in Canada and among the largest in North America, reflects the history of Canadian veterinary education, practice and the service of veterinarians in various government roles throughout history.
The OVC Historical Archive Fund helps the College to properly manage, store and label the more than 10,000 artifacts at OVC and preserve this important collection.
If you would like more information about the OVC Historical Archive please contact Stefanie Sharp at 519-824-4120 ext. 56679 or at ssharp03@uoguelph.ca.