Ch1902 [creativecommons license] via Wikimedia CommonsThe British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress, held 31 March through 3 April 2011 in Birmingham, UK, brought together more than 8,600 visitors to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the world’s first veterinary school. L’Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon (France) was founded by Claude Bourgelat in 1761 and was presented with the World Veterinary Year 2011 Award, accepted by Stephane Martinot, Director General and Dean of the school.