Quacks, Quackery and the Veterinary Profession: Unethical Veterinary Practices in Guyana

Dear Editor,

Today I would like to touch on a topic that has been bothering me for a while now and it seems to be growing out of control in my beloved country: the practice of unqualified or underqualified individuals practicing as veterinarians, basically quacks of the trade.

Quacks are unlicensed individuals who practice veterinary medicine who falsely claim to be veterinarians; they are prevalent in Guyana and often take advantage of the lack of awareness of farmers and pet owners and regulatory loopholes in the system to threaten animal health, livestock yields, and public trust in veterinary care.

In Guyana, quackery —the practice of untrained, unqualified individuals providing veterinary care —is a widespread epidemic. These individuals often lack the qualifications, expertise, and ethical standards required to provide safe and effective veterinary health care. Quacks continue to practice openly despite their lack of credentials.

A quack is a person who acts as a veterinarian but has no formal education, training, license, or permission to practice veterinary medicine. They diagnose, treat, and perform surgeries on animals without the required qualifications and licenses. Their unethical behavior compromises animal health and welfare, undermining the credibility of the veterinary profession.

These fake vets operate outside the boundaries of professional and legal standards, using unapproved medical and surgical treatments, misdiagnosing animal diseases, and contributing to the spread of diseases through improper handling of cases.

They treat animals by symptomatic treatment only without making any diagnosis and during this period mild infections can turn into chronic stages. Veterinary quacks lack advanced therapeutic and toxicological knowledge and unethically treat animals by overdose or underdose of drugs in serious animal diseases. Some quacks weaken animals’ immune systems, use expired medications, overuse steroids, and generally cause animals to become disease carriers, which feeds the cycle of illness and poor health in animal populations.

Farmers and pet owner must make sure that their veterinarians are licensed, registered, skilled (DVM), and uphold the highest ethical and moral standards in order to provide reliable and efficient treatment. Qualified veterinarians are equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage animal health issues using evidence-based practices, ensuring the best outcomes for animal welfare and public health. These fake vets, by contrast, lack these qualifications and pose a significant risk to both animal and human health.

Editor, the absence of enforcement mechanisms by the regulatory bodies has allowed quackery to flourish. The lack of defined legal consequences for practicing without proper credentials, combined with weak enforcement of existing regulations, means that quacks can operate with impunity. This regulatory vacuum is a major factor in the persistence of quackery in Guyana’s veterinary sector.

In order to protect the veterinary profession and safeguard animal health, it is necessary to establish clear boundaries and job descriptions for veterinary practitioners.  When reports of malpractices are made, the oversight bodies that govern veterinary practices should investigate, and take necessary actions as outlined by the Veterinary Act of Guyana.

Quackery in the veterinary profession is a serious issue that threatens the health of animals, the livelihoods of farmers, and the integrity of the veterinary profession in Guyana. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach, including strict regulatory frameworks, upgraded and advanced education and training for veterinary professionals, and increased public awareness about the harms of quackery.

Government and the respective agencies should seek to have more veterinarians trained (as there is a deficit) and assist those already practicing to upgrade their skill sets.

Editor, I believe that by taking these steps, Guyana can protect its animals and ensure that they receive the care they deserve from qualified professionals.

Yours truly,
Anurama Ramgobin
A voice for the voiceless.