Veterinary Medicine Day in Iran Date in the current year: October 6, 2024

According to Zoroastrianism, which was the main religion in ancient Persia before being replaced by Islam, the creator of the world Ahura Mazda (the sole God of Zoroastrianism) created six Amesha Spentas, divine entities that represent six facets of creation: cattle and wild animals, fire, metal, earth, water, and plants.

Vohu Manan, the patron of the cattle, was often associated with the primordial bovine named Gavaevodata. In the Zoroastrian calendar, the 14th day of each month was dedicated to Gavaevodata. In honor of this tradition, Dr. Hassan Taj Saleh suggested that Veterinary Medicine Day be celebrated on the 14th day of Mehr. His initiative was officially supported by the Iranian Parliament (Islamic Consultative Assembly) in 1990.

The development of veterinary medicine in ancient Persia is believed to have begun during the Sasanian Empire (224–651). Healers used special preparations from medicinal herbs to treat livestock ailments. There’s also evidence of primitive surgical procedures. In modern Iran, veterinary medicine is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad of Iran. Veterinarians are trained in a number of public and private educational institutions.