Published: 12 Jul 2017 | Last Updated: 12 Jul 2017 11:01:37

Dr. Jen Summers was fortunate to represent VetCompass at the recent annual meeting of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), which asked “Measuring animal welfare and applying scientific advances - Why is it still so difficult?”.  

Running over three days in the inspirational setting of Royal Holloway, University of London, the Symposium brought together animal welfare scientists, epidemiologists, policy-makers and other interested parties from around the globe. A diverse, world-class program of oral and poster presentations addressed topics from changing perceptions of ‘acceptable vs desirable’ welfare from an animal perspective, to emerging tools for robust welfare assessment and practical implementation of evidence-based interventions to combat welfare challenges.  

Both VetCompass posters selected for presentation (“VetCompass: A new face for robust animal welfare research data" & “Epidemiology of canine osteoarthritis (OA) in the UK dog population as assessed at primary veterinary consultations”) were well received, stimulating useful discussion with expert colleagues and other stakeholders in canine health and welfare.  

Many thanks to UFAW for providing such an excellent platform promoting development of new ideas and the importance of generating high quality, well-focused animal welfare science going forwards.