Forum spotlights African animal welfare

The challenges of meeting African wildlife and livestock welfare needs will be the subject of a free symposium at the University of Queensland in October.

UQ Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics Director Professor Clive Phillips said there was unprecedented demand for livestock production in Africa.

“Farm animal production systems are being intensified in response to rising demand for products, particularly from China,” he said.

“And a strong export market brings to light the potential welfare issues relating to the transport of live animals to overseas markets,” Professor Phillips said.

“In much of Africa, human wellbeing is intimately bound with the welfare of the livestock people depend on.

“Wild animals are also threatened by poachers, and policy review is essential to ensure their welfare is safeguarded.”

Commonwealth Veterinary Association President and UQ graduate Professor Peter Thornber will give the keynote address on Welfare challenges and recent progress in Africa.

Other speakers will cover topics including the potential welfare implications of rhinoceros horn trading policy, and wildlife and laboratory animal welfare.

Event Details

What: Animal Welfare in Africa mini-symposium
When: Noon to 5pm, 25 October, 2017
Where:  14-209 Sir Llew Edwards Building, University Drive, UQ St Lucia campus.
Register: Ms Grisel Navarro - grisel.navarrootarola@uq.net.au
Cost: Free (limit of 60 attendees)

Media: Professor Clive Phillips, c.phillips@uq.edu.au, +61 7 5460 1158.