The veterinary role in meeting key global challenges, now and for the future

3^rd International Veterinary Congress

August 18-20, 2016 London, UK

Nigel Gibbens

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK

Keynote: J Vet Sci Technol

Abstract :

As veterinarians we are facing global challenges on an ever increasing scale. This presentation will set out the importance of the veterinary profession to society in a changing and challenging environment. An increasing human population increases the pressure on the livestock and agricultural sector to provide safe and healthy food for all; increasing livestock means more intensive farming and pressure on welfare. Global population movement and increased trade opens new pathways for emerging diseases, while some of the old threats re-emerge. Climate change will result in changing patterns of livestock production and can bring both animals and humans into contact with wildlife, threatening biodiversity as well as leading to new transboundary diseases. However, as we settle into the 21st Century, we have opportunities to embrace new technologies, be it new diagnostics or the challenge we face with the rise of AMR, new ways of farming, new food sources, adapting to climate change and working closely with industry sectors, public health colleagues and international colleagues on agendas for One Health and One Welfare.

Biography :

Nigel Gibbens is the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer. He was appointed in May 2008 following previous experience in the State Veterinary Service and in policy roles on international trade, BSE controls, animal welfare and international relations co-ordination for Defra’s Food and Farming Group. Prior to joining the UK Government in 1990, he has worked in private practice in his early career and in government veterinary services in Belize and Yemen. He holds an Honorary Professorship from the Royal Veterinary College. He was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the veterinary profession and animal welfare in the New Year’s Honors list for 2016.

Email: nigel.gibbens@defra.gsi.gov.uk