Greetings from Kars:
The Frontier City of Anatolia!
Located at the northeastern edge of Turkiye, Kars is a city where history and nature converge in a unique harmony. Known as the ‘Frontier City,’ it has been a cradle of civilizations for millennia, from the medieval grandeur of the Ani Ruins to the distinctive Baltic architecture of its city center.
Rising 1,768 meters above sea level, Kars is defined by its vast high-altitude plateaus and a challenging yet breathtaking climate. This geography has made Kars the heart of livestock and animal husbandry in Anatolia. For us, as veterinarians, this land is not just a location; it is a living laboratory where the health of animals and the heritage of the land are deeply intertwined.
We bring the spirit of these high lands and the dedication of our profession to WVAC 2026 Tokyo.
We are elevating this local academic heritage to a global stage at the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC) 2026. Our presence here, highlighted by our poster presentation on Digital Transformation and ‘One Health’, serves as a bridge between the traditional heart of Anatolia and the future of global science. It is a reflection of our commitment to professional growth and our unwavering belief in a future where knowledge knows no borders.
Who We Are?
The Kars Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons (Kars VHO) is a professional organization dedicated to representing the veterinary profession, ensuring the highest standards of animal health, and contributing to public health through the “One Health” framework in the Kars region.
As a cornerstone of one of Turkey’s most vital livestock hubs, our Chamber serves as the bridge between veterinary surgeons, livestock producers, and public institutions. We are committed to the professional development of our members and the sustainable advancement of the regional economy.
Our Mission & Vision
To safeguard the rights and authorities of veterinary surgeons while promoting ethical practice, scientific excellence, and digital transformation in the field. We strive to enhance animal welfare, ensure food safety from farm to fork, and mitigate zoonotic risks to protect community health.
To become a leading regional authority in veterinary medicine that integrates modern technology—such as advanced ultrasonography and digital monitoring systems—into field practice. Through our dedicated training center, KALEM, we aim to transform Kars into a center of excellence for continuous veterinary education.
What We Do?
Professional Advocacy:
Representing the interests of our members at local, national, and international levels.
Continuous Education:
Hosting accredited training programs, workshops, and international webinars to keep our practitioners at the forefront of medical science.
Public Health & One Health:
Collaborative projects focusing on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health (HEKİM Model).
Digital Transformation:
Leading the "Digital Transformation in Livestock" initiatives to modernize rural veterinary medicine through innovative diagnostic tools and data-driven management.
Global Reach
While our roots are firmly planted in Kars, our perspective is global. From presenting research at the World Veterinary Association Congress to collaborating with international organizations like the FAO, we ensure that the expertise of Kars' veterinary surgeons is recognized on the world stage.
Presentation On WVAC2026, Tokyo
Empowering Rural Veterinary Medicine: A Success Story of Digital Transformation
Presented at the World Veterinary Association Congress 2026 in Tokyo, this study highlights the impact of a sustained seven-year leadership strategy (2019-2026) by the Kars Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons. Aligned with the WVA’s core principles of lifelong learning and continuous professional development, the “Kars-Hasvet Model” has transitioned regional practice from sensory-based methods to data-driven medicine. By integrating intensive ultrasound training and digital management systems, the initiative increased technology adoption among practitioners from under 5% to approximately 85%. This is not merely a standalone project, but the proven outcome of an ongoing commitment to creating a “Digital Biosecurity Shield,” significantly reducing calf mortality and enhancing food security across high-risk rural environments.
Greetings from Tokyo!
April 21, 2026
It is truly exciting to be here at the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress.
We are gathered here with colleagues from all over the world to discuss the future of our profession within the “One Health” framework and to share the most recent advancements in the field. As the Kars Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons, we take great pride in seeing our local initiatives resonate on a global scale. We are here not just as participants, but as stakeholders sharing our experiences.
The core focus of our work is the integration of technology—specifically digitalization—into livestock management and veterinary processes.
Tomorrow, April 22nd at 12:30, we will be presenting our poster during the “Artificial Intelligence and Data Science” session.
The title of our study is: “Empowering Rural Veterinary Medicine Through Digital Transformation: The 2019–2026 Technology Adaptation Model.”
In this study, we highlight how we have increased technology utilization among our colleagues working in the field in Kars over the last seven years, and the direct impact this transformation has had on rural development. We are presenting the experiences gained from this model to the international literature as a proven success story.
Guided by science, we remain committed to advancing our profession by building these bridges from the local to the global stage.
Warmest regards from Tokyo to all our colleagues and our homeland!
Our Sponsors
The fact that we are able to present our local expertise as a global success story at the 41st World Veterinary Association Congress is undoubtedly thanks to our esteemed sponsors. We are deeply grateful to our supporters who stand by us on this journey with their belief in the power of science and continuous education, and for their invaluable contributions to the future of our profession.
