María Fernanda Rivera Dávila, Guatemala's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, attended the opening of the XXX National Congress and XX Ibero-American Congress on the History of Veterinary Medicine. The event was organized by the College of Veterinary Doctors of Madrid and marked the 30th anniversary of the Madrid Association for the History of Veterinary Medicine (AMHV). The congress, themed “From the Cañada Real and dehesas to the table,” brought together professionals, authorities, and academics from Spain and Latin America to discuss the historical development and current challenges in veterinary science.
During her speech, Rivera Dávila emphasized the importance of such forums for strengthening cooperation between agricultural and veterinary institutions across both sides of the Atlantic. "These spaces for dialogue are important to strengthen cooperation between institutions in the agricultural and veterinary fields, on both sides of the Atlantic, for public health, sustainability, and food security," said Rivera Dávila.
She also highlighted the need to preserve traditional livestock knowledge, promote professional training, and reinforce policies linking sustainable production with rural community welfare. "It is necessary to preserve traditional livestock knowledge, promote professional training, and reinforce policies that link sustainable production with the well-being of rural communities," she stated.
Rivera Dávila noted that Guatemala’s participation underlines its commitment to a modern and collaborative approach to veterinary medicine focused on animal health, food safety, environmental protection, and technical cooperation with Spain and Ibero-America. The Minister was accompanied by Enrique Jodra, president of the congress; Felipe Vilas, president of the College of Veterinary Doctors of Madrid; and Consuelo Serres Dalmau, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Complutense University of Madrid.
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