Daily Program

The 33rd World Veterinary Congress ran from August 27 to 31, 2017 at Songdo ConvensiA, Incheon. Below is the day-by-day breakdown of scientific sessions, plenary lectures, and key events.

For the full scientific overview and invited-speaker details, see the Scientific Program page.

The 33rd World Veterinary Congress brought together veterinary professionals from across the globe to the Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, Korea. This international gathering served as a platform for sharing advances in animal health, welfare, and medical science. Participants from numerous countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and many Asian nations, contributed to a rich exchange of knowledge. The congress reflected the growing importance of global collaboration in addressing challenges facing both companion and production animals. Veterinary educators, researchers, and clinicians alike found common ground in their dedication to improving health outcomes for animals worldwide through evidence-based practice and scientific inquiry.

The scientific program covered a broad spectrum of veterinary disciplines, from small animal internal medicine and surgery to food animal health and epidemiology. Specialized sessions delved into dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, anesthesia, emergency care, and diagnostic imaging. Avian and porcine medicine received dedicated attention alongside equine and bovine tracks, reflecting the congress's comprehensive approach. Nutrition, clinical pathology, and infectious disease management were also prominent themes. This diversity of topics ensured that veterinarians from all professional backgrounds could find relevant continuing education opportunities. The parallel session format allowed attendees to tailor their experience to their specific interests and practice areas, maximizing the educational value of each day.

Plenary lectures and invited speaker sessions featured distinguished voices from leading veterinary institutions worldwide. Renowned experts from universities such as the University of California, Davis, Konkuk University, and Seoul National University shared their latest research findings and clinical insights. These presentations highlighted the intersection of academic research and practical application in veterinary medicine. The congress also hosted joint meetings and forums that fostered deeper dialogue between specialty groups. Topics such as foot and mouth disease, avian influenza, and emerging zoonotic threats were examined through both regional and global lenses, emphasizing the interconnected nature of animal and public health.

Pre-congress workshops and satellite symposia offered intensive learning experiences before the main program commenced. These sessions allowed for deeper exploration of specialized topics in a more intimate setting. The Asian Veterinary Dental Forum exemplified the kind of collaborative, cross-border professional development that the congress encouraged. Beyond the lecture halls, the exhibition hall provided a space for veterinary product and service providers to connect with practitioners. Attendees could explore new technologies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment designed to enhance clinical practice. These interactions between industry and academia helped bridge the gap between innovation and everyday veterinary care.

The congress underscored the vital role of veterinary medicine in promoting animal welfare and safeguarding public health. Discussions on food safety, disease surveillance, and antimicrobial resistance highlighted the profession's contributions to global health security. The gathering also emphasized the importance of veterinary education and professional development across all career stages. Young veterinarians and students benefited from exposure to leading researchers and practitioners from around the world. The spirit of collaboration that defined the event extended beyond national boundaries, reinforcing the shared mission of veterinary professionals everywhere. This international congress served as a reminder of the collective responsibility veterinarians hold for animals, ecosystems, and human communities alike.