Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Human behaviour change expert to speak at BVA Congress
Professor Susan Michie will deliver the lecture on 17 November.

Prof Susan Michie will deliver the 56th Wooldridge Memorial Lecture.

Professor Susan Michie, an academic and expert in human behaviour change, will deliver the 56th Wooldridge Memorial Lecture, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced.

The lecture, ‘People Power: how changing human behaviour can improve animal welfare’, will be given during London Vet Show. The talk will take place at 11am on Friday, 17 November in the BVA Congress Theatre.

A professor of health psychology and director of the Centre for Behaviour Change at University College London, Prof Michie will discuss some of the problems seen by veterinary surgeons which are unknowingly caused by humans and could be prevented through changes in human behaviour.

In the course of her talk, she will address issues such as buying or breeding brachycephalic and dangerous dogs, antimicrobial awareness, and obesity.

Prof Michie said: “There is a science of behaviour and behaviour change that should be drawn on in tackling the many animal health and welfare problems that are often caused or exacerbated by human behaviour and can be solved or reduced by enabling change.

“Common-sense approaches are often ineffective and can even make things worse; evidence-based techniques are available. It has been fascinating considering this research in relation to the veterinary profession and I look forward to discussing this in-depth at BVA Congress.”

The annual Wooldridge Memorial Lecture is named after veterinary researcher and politician Dr W R Wooldridge and was first delivered at BVA Congress in 1967.

BVA president Anna Judson added: “All animals are likely to become ill or suffer an injury at some point but it is particularly heartbreaking when, with the right knowledge, it could have been prevented.

“It can lead to difficult conversations between vets, farmers and animal owners but Professor Michie’s lecture will discuss ways in which such consultations can be approached, to provide tools which can increase the chances of a positive change in the future.”

 

Image (C) BVA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.