Veterinary Associations | Veterinary Events and Conferences

WSAVA and CDC to Host Ground-breaking Symposium on Preventing Obesity in People and Their Pets

vetreportApril 25, 2016

The One Health Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering on  a symposium entitled “Preventing Obesity in People and Their Pets: A One Health Approach” at the Emory Conference Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from 9-11 November 2016. The One Health concept recognizes that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment, requiring interdisciplinary teams to address today’s One Health challenges.

At the event, co-speakers from veterinary and human medicine will explore the relationship between obesity and disease in humans and pets, together with the societal costs, behaviour and psychology of obesity.   Co-speakers will also discuss One Health-focused initiatives which can be used as potential solutions to the growing obesity crisis in people and pets.

The Symposium will be chaired by Professor Michael Day, Chairman of the WSAVA’s One Health Committee (OHC).  “Obesity in pets and people is a significant challenge facing the global One Health programme.  We hope our symposium will lead to doctors and veterinarians working together to promote a world in which regular activity, a balanced diet, and healthy weight are part of every family and their pet’s life,” Professor Day said.

He added:  “The WSAVA OHC is excited to host this major new initiative to mark the conclusion of our Phase II activities at the end of 2016.  We are very grateful for the support of our existing sponsors for this event:  Clinicians’ Brief, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Mars Pet Care and Nestlé Purina.”