When did specific training for veterinarians begin, and in which country?

Specific training for veterinarians began in 1761 in France with the establishment of the first veterinary school in Lyon by Claude Bourgelat. This significant development marked the formal recognition of veterinary medicine as a distinct profession and aimed to improve the health of livestock and prevent the spread of diseases that could affect both animals and humans.

Bourgelat's initiative set the foundation for veterinary education, bridging gaps in animal healthcare and laying the groundwork for modern veterinary practices. The school's curriculum focused on the anatomy, surgery, and diseases of animals, which reflected the increasing importance of veterinary science during that time.

This early establishment of veterinary training underscored France's leadership in veterinary education, influencing many countries to follow suit and create their own veterinary schools, further advancing the field globally.