Message from the Chairman
of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong

Welcome to the homepage of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong.

Enacted in 1997, the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance (Cap. 529) provides for the establishment of the Veterinary Surgeons Board which is responsible for the regulation of the practice of veterinary surgery, the registration of veterinary surgeons, and the disciplinary control of the professional activities of registered veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong. Currently, there are over 550 registered veterinary surgeons, a nearly fourfold increase since its establishment.

In upholding veterinary standards, the Board has implemented a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) monitoring system to keep veterinary surgeons abreast of the latest developments in veterinary science and medicine. Twelve years from the first Comparative Study of Veterinary Qualifications conducted in 1997/8, the Board has again given its full support to the Government』s launch of the second Study in 2010. The study is aimed at reviewing the minimum requirements for registration as veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong in the face of ever-increasing expectations of the public towards veterinary services.

The challenges facing the Board in the years ahead are great as the role of veterinary surgeons has changed. In particular, after the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong in 2003, people began to realize that epidemics and infectious diseases are no longer limited to human-to-human transmission, but can also spread from animals to humans. The demand for quality veterinary services is not only for the care of companion animals, but for the prevention of zoonoses and promotion of public health as well. I am confident that on the basis of the solid ground work laid down by my very capable predecessors, and the continued dedication and support of fellow Board members, the good work of the Board will continue and the veterinary profession will develop for the better in the years to come.

Professor WONG Yuk-shan, BBS, JP
Chairman of Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong