Bee conservationist to deliver BVA lecture
Prof Goulson has written over 350 scientific articles on insect ecology and conservation.
Dave Goulson, a leading bee ecologist and founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, is to deliver this year’s Wooldridge Memorial Lecture.
The lecture will form part of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Congress, which will take place at London Vet Show on Friday, 15 November 2024.
Prof Goulson is a professor in biology at the University of Sussex. He has written over 350 scientific articles, which explore the ecology and conservation of bumblebees and other insects.
He is also the author of several bestselling books, including A Buzz in the Meadow, The Garden Jungle and Silent Earth.
Prof Goulson has received many awards and honours. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2013 and, in 2020, accepted the Zoological Society of London’s Clarivate Award for Communicating Zoology.
On Friday, 15 November, between 11am and 12.15pm, Prof Goulson will deliver a lecture titled ‘Companion animal parasiticides and biodiversity: the crucial role of vets’.
The lecture is set to display the evidence of a rapid decline in insect abundance and consider its consequences. This will be examined through a veterinary perspective, assessing the role which veterinary medicines may have in the decline.
There will be particular focus on the parasiticides which are used on small animals, with Prof Goulson drawing on his own research into the effects of spot-on treatments on river pollution.
Prof Goulson’s lecture will be followed by a Q&A session for the audience.
Prof Goulson said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to deliver BVA’s Wooldridge Memorial Lecture.
“I’ve spent my life studying insects and attempting to combat their declines. Recently, veterinary ectoparasiticides used on dogs and cats have been implicated as contributing to biodiversity loss, particularly through contributing to pollution of our rivers.
“I will discuss the evidence, ask the veterinary profession to consider solutions, and more broadly issue a plea for taking a more holistic view of veterinary practices which consider the wider impacts of decisions on the environment and human health.”
Anna Judson, BVA’s senior vice president, said: “We know that vets are concerned about the impact of parasiticides on the environment, which is why BVA has been leading discussions around using these products carefully and advises a risk-based approach to help minimise environmental impact.
“Prof Goulson’s lecture will offer the latest insights from his research and probe possible solutions to help vets better protect not only animals, but also their owners as well as the environment.”
Image © BVA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
