Veterinarian in Society

ETHNO-VETERINARY MEDICINE

• Before the advent of modern allopathic system of medicine, it seems possible that the healing art was almost the same throughout the world including India. This system of medicine has given the term ethno-medicine (when implied to human treatment) and ethno-veterinary medicine (in the context of animal treatment).
• In India, ethno-veterinary practices were in vogue since time immemorial.
• In ancient India, the Vedic literature, particularly Atharvaveda is a repository of traditional medicine including prescriptions for treatment of animal diseases.
• Shalihotra undoubtedly appears to be the first veterinarian of pre-historic times.
• The ancient Indians were so apt with the knowledge of herbals, even Alexander acquired some of the skills used by Indians, particularly for treatment of snakebite.