As in previous years, the 2014 award is open to poultry veterinarians from anywhere in the world who are under the age of 35 on 1 January 2014. The prize is a contribution of US$5,000 towards attending international scientific or continued professional development meetings.

The WVPA is asking for nominations to be made on behalf of young veterinarians who not only display a commitment to bird health and customer care, but who demonstrate a real passion for the poultry industry.

“The two previous winners have been exceptional young veterinarians who are a credit to our profession,” said Dr Trevor Bagust, President of the WVPA. “We have been very impressed by the standard of nominations in the past, and I expect 2014 to be the same or even better.”

The award will be judged by a panel of global poultry experts, and the winner will receive his or her award at the WVPA Asia Meeting in Bangkok in September.

Hector Badillo, Global Marketing Director for award sponsor, Zoetis, believes that encouraging young veterinarians is important for the future of the poultry industry.

He said: “Maintaining the health and therefore the productivity of flocks is absolutely central to the success of modern poultry businesses, and veterinarians are an essential part of that success.

“Zoetis is proud to support the WVPA Young Poultry Veterinarian Award for the third consecutive year, and to encourage and recognize those veterinarians who will safeguard the future of the poultry industry globally.”

Nominees/applicants are asked to demonstrate their role and achievements in the industry and explain why they believe they should win the award in 500 words or less.

The closing date for nominations is 16 May 2014. Entries can only be made via the WVPA Young Veterinarian of the Year 2014 web site, http://wvpa-award.com/, which also has full details of the award.