As part of the ‘Big Issues’ module at Congress, the symposia will discuss a range of issues and showcase how BSAVA engages with Government Departments and a range of experts to support the One Health agenda for the UK.  The sessions will also underline the crucial role veterinary professionals play in safeguarding the health of humans, animals, and the environment. 

With 60% of pathogens causing human diseases originating from domestic animals or wildlife, and 75% of emerging infectious diseases having an animal origin, the importance of a "One Health" approach cannot be overstated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have both highlighted the issue as one of their key areas of focus.

As part of BSAVA’s ongoing commitment to the One Health initiative, the symposia will bring together experts from various sectors across six different sessions to highlight how collaboration between veterinary professionals, medical experts, and environmental specialists can protect global health.

The first session of the day  - UK Surveillance : Your country needs you! – will focus on the importance of small animal disease surveillance. Early detection of disease outbreaks that could affect both human and animal populations is crucial. Eleanor Brown, the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (DCVO) for the UK, will provide insights into the role small animal vets play as part of the national surveillance network. Additionally, Dr Elizabeth Bruno-McClung (Public Health) MRCVS, the lead of the Small Animal Expert Group (SAEG), established with BSAVA’s support, will explain how small animal practitioners can participate in SmART, an early warning system for potential disease outbreaks.

The second session – Brucella canis: Consternation and Collaboration - will address how this disease is a particular area of concern due to the increased importation of dogs from Eastern European countries. As part of the ongoing collaboration between BSAVA and government departments, speakers including Andrew Frost and Dr Roland Ash from APHA and Emi Barker, the Clinical Lead in Infectious Diseases from Langford vets. They will discuss how the profession is working together to mitigate the risks of Brucella canis, including providing practical guidance to veterinary staff, offering clarity on laboratory testing, and developing a central BSAVA Brucella canis Hub to support the veterinary profession.

The third session of the day – Crossing boundaries: Humans matter too - will address the growing significance of zoonoses and their impact on public health. With pets increasingly becoming integral to family life, the potential for infections to cross species boundaries is of increasing concern. Speakers David Edwards, Lead Consultant in Health Protection for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Simon Tappin, the Clinical Director for DWR Veterinary Specialists, will examine the impact of zoonoses on both the pet and their owner, as well as the broader implications for public health services, including GPs, public health laboratories, and NHS hospitals.

The fourth key topic of discussion – Parasiticides & the Environment - will examine the environmental impact of veterinary parasiticides. BSAVA has been actively engaging with stakeholders and government departments to raise awareness of the effects these products can have on ecosystems. Speakers Francine Fernandez, Senior Environmental Safety Assessor for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Dr Jonathan Newman, Senior Policy Advisor for the Environment Agency (EA) will lead discussions on the evidence base, current gaps in knowledge, and the challenges involved in addressing these concerns.

Session 5 – How to be Salmonella savvy – will discuss how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a priority concern within the profession, particularly in relation to Salmonella in dogs. With the identification of multi-drug-resistant isolates of Salmonella it is more important than ever for small animal vets to monitor and report cases. Speakers Dr Meg Rawlins, Veterinary Specialist of the Salmonella Team, APHA and Dr Lesley Larkin, Head of Surveillance for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will delve into the zoonotic potential of Salmonella, focusing on its relevance to veterinary practice, pets, and pet owners.

Finally, session 6 – Inward Bound: Travelling with Extra Baggage - will see Ian Wright Veterinary Surgeon, The Mount Veterinary Practice discussing how climate change and global warming, along with increased international travel for both people and pets, creates new opportunities for small animal parasites to introduce zoonoses into homes. The session will explore the various routes of parasite incursion and discuss innovative ways to detect and monitor these risks.

Commenting on the One Health symposia, Adrienne Conroy, Head of Policy at BSAVA who will chair the sessions said: