Editorial and Peer-Review Process

Open Veterinary Journal (OVJ) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publishing through a rigorous, fair, and transparent editorial and peer-review process. This policy outlines the principles guiding editorial decision-making, peer review, ethical oversight, and continuous improvement to ensure the integrity and quality of published research in veterinary science and animal health.

1. Editorial Decision-Making

1.1 Editorial Independence

OVJ upholds full editorial independence. Decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection are made solely on the basis of scientific merit, originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to the journal’s scope, free from commercial, institutional, or personal influence.

1.2 Fair and Unbiased Assessment

All submitted manuscripts are evaluated objectively and without discrimination based on authors’ nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, ethnicity, or other non-scientific factors. Editorial decisions are guided exclusively by academic and ethical considerations.

2. Peer-Review Process

2.1 Rigorous Expert Review

All manuscripts considered suitable after initial editorial screening are subjected to peer review by independent experts with relevant subject-matter expertise. Reviewers assess the scientific quality, validity, originality, clarity, and significance of the work.

2.2 Double-Blind Peer Review

OVJ operates a double-blind peer-review system, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process. This model is designed to minimize bias and promote impartial evaluation.

2.3 Timeliness and Efficiency

OVJ is committed to an efficient review process and strives to provide authors with timely, constructive feedback. Editorial decisions are communicated promptly to support the rapid and responsible dissemination of research findings.

3. Ethical Standards and Research Integrity

3.1 Ethical Publishing Practices

OVJ adheres to international ethical standards and follows the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors, editors, and reviewers are expected to uphold principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability throughout the publication process.

3.2 Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship must reflect substantial intellectual contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All listed authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to be accountable for its content. Any changes to authorship after submission require written justification and approval.

3.3 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

All participants in the publication process—authors, editors, and reviewers—must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that could influence objectivity. Disclosed conflicts are evaluated and managed in accordance with the journal’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

3.4 Plagiarism and Misconduct Screening

OVJ employs plagiarism detection tools to screen submissions for originality. Suspected cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, duplicate publication, or other forms of misconduct are handled in accordance with COPE procedures and may result in rejection, retraction, or other corrective actions.

4. Author Guidelines and Ethical Compliance

4.1 Manuscript Preparation

Authors must prepare manuscripts in accordance with OVJ’s published Author Guidelines, including formatting, referencing, and reporting standards. Submissions that do not comply with these requirements may be returned for correction prior to peer review.

4.2 Ethical Approval and Animal Welfare

Research involving animals or human participants must include evidence of approval by an appropriate ethics committee and compliance with relevant national and international guidelines. Informed consent must be obtained where applicable, and animal welfare considerations must be clearly addressed.

5. Transparency and Open Science

5.1 Data Sharing and Reproducibility

OVJ encourages authors to make underlying data, code, and relevant materials available where possible, in accordance with ethical and legal considerations. Transparent reporting and data availability enhance reproducibility and trust in published research.

5.2 Post-Publication Engagement

OVJ supports post-publication scholarly dialogue and welcomes reasoned comments, critiques, and discussions that contribute to scientific advancement. Corrections, clarifications, or retractions are issued when necessary to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

6. Continuous Improvement and Oversight

6.1 Editorial Board Review

The Editorial Board regularly reviews and updates editorial and peer-review policies to reflect evolving best practices, technological developments, and ethical standards in scholarly publishing.

6.2 Collaboration and Best Practices

OVJ engages with the broader academic community, professional organizations, and publishing initiatives to strengthen editorial quality, promote innovation, and uphold international standards in veterinary publishing.

Through its editorial and peer-review policies, Open Veterinary Journal seeks to provide a trusted, transparent, and inclusive platform for high-quality veterinary research. By fostering ethical publishing practices, rigorous peer review, and continuous improvement, OVJ remains dedicated to advancing veterinary science and supporting the global research community.