BVA Live: How critical is the gut microbiome to animal behaviour?

Sponsored by Protexin Veterinary, Gut instinct: what’s the influence of the gut microbiome on animal behaviour and wellbeing? will delve into the connection between the gut microbiome, overall health, emotional state and animal behaviour. Expert panelists will include: Fergus Allerton, Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine; Sarah Heath, Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine; and Lecturer in Translational Pharmaceutical Sciences Jatin Nagpal.

The panel will discuss how gut microbiome could impact behavior, as well as current research into the effect of gut health in canines. Gut health will also be covered from a human health perspective, looking at how diet can impact cognitive and mental health in humans. This is a real opportunity to reflect on the importance of comprehensive health care and how looking at the interplay of health, emotion and the gut in tandem can enhance medical care – in both humans and animals.

British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said: “This promises to be an absolutely fascinating session, taking a real one health approach to exploring the impacts of the gut microbiome on health and behaviour. If you’ve ever been unsure about how to respond to client requests about probiotics and other supplements or how behaviour could be impacted by an animal’s gut health, this is a fantastic opportunity to ask our expert panelists how to handle these tricky queries.”  

Louise Pike, Marketing Director ADM Protexin, said: “Protexin Veterinary is delighted to be working with BVA to debate the body of evidence around the gut microbiome influence on animal health and behaviour. This is an intriguing area of work and a great chance for veterinary professionals to ask questions and hear about current research as well as a look ahead to the future.”

This pioneering session at BVA Live is sponsored by Protexin Veterinary

Gut instinct: what’s the influence of the gut microbiome on animal behaviour and wellbeing? takes place in BVA’s Business, Careers and Debates Theatre on 6 June at 10.25 – 11.25.

BVA Live, which runs 6 – 7 June 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, is a unique, interactive event that offers two days of CPD, networking opportunities and the chance for vet teams to have their say on the issues that matter most to them. As well as plenty of small animal clinical content, BVA Live is also offering sessions featuring equine and farm, while the BVNA Nursing stream is back with a range of engaging sessions, allowing accessible CPD for vets at every stage of their careers and covering a wide range of specialisms.

BVA Officers President Anna Judson, Senior Vice President Malcolm Morley and Junior Vice President Elizabeth Mullineaux will also lead the BVA Interactive Zone debates, digging into ethical dilemmas and exploring contentious issues, providing delegates the perfect opportunity to have their say on the current hot topics in the profession.

New, fully funded educational bursaries are enabling more BVA members than ever before to attend BVA Live. Open to all BVA members, applying for a funded ticket is simple, just visit https://bvalive.vetshow.com/ or call 02476 719 687.

Find more details and the full event programme online.