History of Veterinary Service in Nepal
Veterinary service in Nepal started in 1940 A. D. (1996 B.S.) with the establishment of Veterinary dispensary at Tripureswor, Kathmandu. The dispensary was started when Nepal had the first outbreak of Rinderpest. The dispensary was upgraded to veterinary hospital in 1962 A.D. with a single veterinarian.
The main objective of the hospital was to treat animals and aware people about animal diseases.
The importance of veterinary service was highlighted during the outbreak of rinderpest, now eradicated, in the country.
Thirty three veterinary hospitals, 21 dispensaries and 4 animal quarantine check-posts were established in different parts of the country in 1960 A.D. Veterinary service was made available in 75 districts in 1983 A.D.
At present, there is a network of national veterinary services at central, regional and district level. Moreover, there are 359 livestock service centers and 640 livestock sub-service centers to cater veterinary services at sub-district level. These centers and sub-centers deliver services in package including animal health, animal breeding, animal nutrition, training and extension. Besides, Village Animal Health Workers are actively involved in primary animal health care and disease reporting.
