AVMA/AAVMC International Symposium to address veterinarians' roles in animal welfare Schaumburg, IL — A societal debate is raging as to whether it is possible to eat meat, embrace the latest scientific discoveries and even own a pet and still be concerned about animal welfare. International veterinary experts, animal scientists, political figures and leaders of humane and welfare organizations from around the world will converge on Michigan State University November 9-11 to address this complex and emotional issue.
Developed and cosponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), the 2 ½-day symposium is designed "to consider how informed animal welfare decisions are guided by science, ethics, societal norms, stakeholder engagement and even the words we use to describe our perspectives," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, DVM, MBA, chief executive officer of the AVMA.
"A primary focus of the meeting will be to examine how animal welfare-related science and ethics are addressed within academic veterinary medicine from pre-veterinary medicine education through continuing education for veterinarians and what the current research environment at academic veterinary medicine institutions looks like," said Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, executive director of the AAVMC.
Attendees and participants will look at various models for delivering animal welfare-related education to pre-veterinary students, veterinary students, animal science students and veterinarians, and what it takes to develop and sustain viable animal welfare research programs that can produce new and much-needed information.
Speakers from North America, South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand have been included in the program to discuss creative ways to approach many of these challenges. Some of these experts and their topics include:
- Candace Croney (The Ohio State University): Words matter—Implications of semantics and imagery in framing animal welfare issues
- Janice Swanson (Michigan State University): How welfare is measured and why scientists do it differently
- David Mellor (Massey University, New Zealand): Galloping colts, fetal feelings and reassuring regulations—Putting animal welfare science into practice
- David Bayvel (Chair, International Organization for Animal Health Animal Welfare Working Group): Animal welfare—A complex international and domestic policy issue with some key players
- Don Broom (Cambridge University, United Kingdom): Public and stakeholder needs and expectations for animal welfare education and research
- Nestor Tadich (Austral University, Chile): Teaching animal welfare in Chile and some schools of veterinary medicine in Latin America
- Dan Weary (University of British Columbia, Canada): Blurring the lines—From research to outreach and back again
- Dan Marsman (Chair, AVMA Animal Welfare Committee): When opposites attract—Learning from our differences
- Senator Wayne Allard (Former U.S. Senator from Colorado): Good science—Only the start to responsible animal welfare policy
More information on the 2009 Joint International Educational Symposium on Animal Welfare, including housing and travel information, can be found on the AVMA's Web site at www.avma.org/awsymposium.
For complimentary press registration to the symposium, or to interview a speaker, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at 847-285-6687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell), or msanfilippo@avma.org.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is a non-profit membership organization working to promote and protect the welfare and health of animals, people, and the environment by generating new knowledge and preparing the high quality veterinary workforce needed to meet continually changing societal demands for veterinary expertise. AAVMC provides leadership for and promotes excellence in academic veterinary medicine to prepare the veterinary workforce with the scientific knowledge and skills required to meet societal needs through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
On the Web: http://www.aavmc.org.
This significant international gathering was made possible by the following sponsors:
Patrons
P&G Pet Care the maker of Iams and Eukanuba. P&G have enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. For more information visit www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com.
USDA-APHIS Animal Care provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. The agency improves agricultural productivity and competitiveness and contributes to the national economy and the public health. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare
Partners
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OER, NIH) provides guidance and interpretation of the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, supports educational programs, and monitors compliance with the Policy by Assured institutions and PHS funding components to ensure the humane care and use of animals in PHS-supported research, testing, and training, thereby contributing to the quality of PHS-supported activities.
grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/olaw.htm
In-Kind Contributors
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Visit http://cvm.msu.edu/ for more information.
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