Vets in a climate change world
Dr Nathanson spoke about how the medical profession can help to make governments aware of the health consequences of extreme weather events.
In an informative session at BVA Congress a panel of experts discussed the pressing issue of climate change and how veterinary surgeons fit into the picture.
The production of meat and dairy is a major driver of climate change and calls for a reduction in red meat consumption are getting bigger. However, it is not clear whether animal health and welfare are being considered as part of the debate.
In the session, delegates heard from three expert speakers on how medical colleagues have embraced the debate on climate change, why vets should engage with the debate on climate change, and why we must ensure animal welfare is a central part of the equation.
Speaking about the human/health dimension, Dr Vivienne Nathanson from the British Medical Association explained how climate change has already led to the spread of disease in the USA, and will very soon contribute to the spread of malaria throughout Europe.
She spoke about how the medical profession can help by making governments understand the health consequences of extreme weather events. For example, flooding can lead to the loss of a home, which can in turn trigger depression.
The British Medical Association, along with other medical nursing bodies, have set up a new organisation called Health Professional Alliance to Combat Climate Change. Part of this is to have a unified voice, so that medical bodies can talk to government about how to get messages across. One of the biggest messages is about what can be done as an individual - i.e. eat less red meat as a source of protein and walk/cycle more. In turn this will save money, improve health and overall help the environment.
Speaking about the vet dimension, Ruth Clements from the Food Animal Initiative told delegates why it is so important that vets engage with the debate, citing rapid population growth, the enormous amount of animals involved (66 billion worldwide) and the shifting patterns in global food production. For example, there was an 81 per cent increase in fish production between 2000 and 2011.
Ruth said: "We have a big and possibly understated role in this. I think we don't necessarily feel this is part of our responsibility, but I very clearly do feel that this is part of our wider responsibility as veterinary surgeons to engage in some of these debates, both in our communities and at a broader level."
One way that vets can help with environmental sustainability is by looking at the use of antibiotics which are routinely used in agriculture. Yesterday (18 November) the BVA, along with the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, joined forces for the first time to promote a 'One Health' approach to the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Working together, the organisations aim to share knowledge about antibiotic resistance and successful approaches to treating infections.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
