CAWS Virtual Symposium on One Welfare
Date: 19/05/2021
Online
One Welfare: What has COVID-19 taught us about balancing human and animal interests?
Events that have unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic have clearly illustrated the inter-connections between animal, human, and environmental health and welfare, as well as the inter-dependence of people who work with animals in the food producing sectors and those who depend on and are impacted by them. Nuances of broader human-animal interactions and their implications for mental, physical, and socio-economic welfare have also been revealed, emphasizing the need for a “One-Welfare” approach in considering how to balance and optimize human and animal interests both during and outside times of crisis. The ethical imperative to be intentional about considering, identifying, and supporting marginalized and particularly vulnerable communities while also prioritizing animal welfare must also be addressed. It is therefore critical to understand the challenges of developing more integrative approaches and to explore scientific evidence that provides insights that can inform responsive, agile practice and research prioritization.
This program will explore the effects of COVID-19 on animal welfare, human health and well-being. Experiences and lessons learned about managing animal welfare during a human health crisis will be discussed, incorporating perspectives from farmers, veterinarians, scientists, and global food producers. Implications for the US food chain as well as those working with animals in other sectors will be explored, along with lessons learned about the practical, economic, and socio-ethical considerations that are needed for immediate implementation and improved preparation in future. Critical to the discussion will be the need to protect human health and mental well-being while attending to animal welfare during crisis situations.
Registration is open, costs below:
- Regular Attendee: $70
- Student: $25
The plan is for the meeting to be recorded and made available to registered participants for a few weeks afterward (as timings are Eastern Daylight Time which is GMT -4 or BST -5).
