On means of transport of Danish veterinarians during the last two hundred years.

Abstract: For almost 20 years the authors have been selecting and editing the material referring to the means of transport which Danish veterinarians used in the 18th, 19th and 20th century. The source material contains memoirs, advertisements from veterinary medical journals, obituaries and other sources, based on which a 210-page book in the Danish language has been published. The article presents an abridged version of this book. In Denmark, the first veterinarians rendered their services at the time when this profession had not yet established itself. They were relatively poor and very often they had to walk even 15 to 20 km per day in order to visit two or three farms, where their professional help was needed. In the first half of the 19th century, the economic situation of Danish veterinarians improved, so they could afford a horse of their own. From the second half of the 19th century, the gig, a light two-wheel vehicle drawn by one horse, was in use. At the end of the 19th century, bicycles and motor-bicycles were slowly gaining ground. The gig, however, continued to be the main means of transport, because it was cheap and safe. In the 20th century, the automobile era began, but World War I prevented the widespread use of cars due to the shortage of petrol, rubber parts and the like. After the war, automobiles came into common use both in medical and veterinary practice. Only in hard winters with much snow, horses and sledges were coming to the fore again. World War II once again created the shortage of petrol and rubber tyres, so horses and gas generators were in demand. After the war, various car models completely dominated the veterinary practice, cars with built-in shelves for medicines, instruments and other medical supplies in particular. The telephone was a great help and of service to veterinarians, because many of long trips to clients were not necessary any more, thanks to the simple communication over the phone. Veterinarians were often among the first owners of the telephone in a town or village, which can still be seen in their valid phone numbers (ending with 01, 02, etc.). Some veterinarians travelled also by train, during the war in particular. When there was much snow, some used skis. Some Danish veterinarians had to accompany exotic animals on their journey from Africa or Thailand, where planes were the main means of transport. In the 19th and 20th century, veterinarians used to accompany animals during their transport at sea, for example from South America to Danish colonies in West India (Tranquebar). After World War II, several veterinarians accompanied animals transported by ships to some of the Baltic harbours in the former USSR. In Denmark, there are many islands with numerous farms, therefore, if required, veterinarians from the continent have to be ready to go to the islands any time, day or night. In such cases boats are the primary means of transport, but planes and helicopters are also used in modern times. In Greenland, veterinary services are provided by veterinarians travelling by ships or boats, helicopters, and sometimes even dog-sledges.