Ingelheim, Germany, May 25, 2026
Boehringer Ingelheim has unveiled new findings from a large international veterinary survey revealing the often-unseen role veterinarians play in protecting animal health, food safety, disease surveillance, and public health systems worldwide. Conducted across 51 countries and involving more than 1,046 veterinary professionals, the survey highlights how veterinary care extends far beyond routine animal treatment and serves as a critical pillar supporting global healthcare and food security systems.
The global study, released as part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond campaign, identified several hidden yet essential responsibilities carried out daily by veterinary professionals. Among pet and equine veterinarians, the most overlooked role involved spotting hidden health problems and pain, while livestock veterinarians emphasized the importance of protecting food-chain safety and conducting disease surveillance programs to limit the spread of infectious diseases.
Veterinarians Play a Vital Role Beyond Animal Treatment
According to the survey findings, 87% of pet veterinarians identified uncovering hidden health problems as one of the most important but underrecognized aspects of veterinary medicine. Equine veterinarians similarly highlighted the importance of detecting subtle disease signs and hidden pain in horses, emphasizing how early intervention often prevents severe medical complications later.
Veterinary professionals noted that much of their expertise remains invisible to animal owners despite requiring years of advanced clinical training and real-world medical decision-making. Veterinarians often diagnose complex conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, respiratory illness, and autoimmune disorders before symptoms become obvious to owners. Experts stated that this hidden layer of clinical expertise plays a major role in improving long-term animal welfare and reducing emotional and financial strain for families.
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The survey also highlighted the increasing importance of preventive veterinary care, where professionals use a combination of medical history, environmental analysis, nutrition management, vaccination planning, parasite control, and behavioral monitoring to prevent disease outbreaks and chronic illness. Veterinary specialists emphasized that successful preventive care frequently goes unnoticed precisely because it prevents larger health emergencies from developing.
Veterinary Care Supports Global Food Security and Public Health
One of the most significant findings from the survey involved the role livestock veterinarians play in safeguarding global food systems and public health infrastructure. Approximately 65% of livestock veterinarians identified food-chain safety as one of the most overlooked aspects of their profession, while 62% emphasized their critical work in disease surveillance and outbreak prevention.
Boehringer Ingelheim noted that veterinary medicine directly impacts the safety of the global food supply, particularly as livestock animals contribute to a major portion of worldwide protein production. Veterinary monitoring helps reduce the spread of diseases affecting cattle, poultry, pigs, and other livestock populations, while also minimizing the risk of zoonotic diseases transferring from animals to humans. Experts referenced growing public health concerns surrounding emerging infectious diseases, many of which originate within animal populations before spreading to humans.
Industry leaders involved in the campaign stressed that recognizing the hidden contributions of veterinarians is essential for maintaining a strong global veterinary workforce capable of protecting food security, animal welfare, and public health in the future. The findings also reinforce the increasing importance of the One Health approach, which recognizes the direct connection between human health, animal health, and environmental sustainability.
Boehringer Expands Global Veterinary Awareness Campaign
The Going Beyond campaign was launched in partnership with leading veterinary organizations including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the World Association for Buiatrics, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The initiative aims to improve public understanding of the veterinary profession while supporting greater appreciation for veterinary medicine’s broader role in society.
Boehringer Ingelheim stated that the campaign reflects the company’s long-term commitment to advancing animal health innovation and supporting veterinary professionals globally. As one of the world’s leading animal health companies, Boehringer continues developing vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, livestock, and horses while promoting stronger integration between animal healthcare and public health systems.
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim press release
