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18th annual meeting of ESVCE in Martigny, Switzerland.
Call for papers can be download now on the meeting page !
Past Congresses
17th European Veterinary Behaviour Meeting - Avignon, France, 25th-27th November 2011
Text soon.
16th European Veterinary Behaviour Meeting - Hamburg, Germany, 24th- 26th September 2010
The spoken papers were presented over 3 days and included a total of 33 papers. Although a range of topics were covered it was clear to see some trends emerging as to the main areas of current research interest: predictors for different types of behavioural problems in varying species, effects of a variety of food supplements in reducing behavioural pathology and problems associated with prevention and management of canine aggression. The conference opened with a review by Emily Blackwell on risk factors for the development of human directed aggression in domestic dogs, revealing that a number of owner, dog, early experience and training method variables can be useful predictors of aggression. Predicting adult canine behaviour from behavioural assessment in puppies was the focus of Gry Eskeland’s presentation which provided an interesting model for future research in this field as behavioural prophylaxis becomes increasingly important in attempting to reduce the prevalence of behavioural problems. This subject was then followed up by investigation into the effect of early events on the response to stress in puppies (Le Brech, et al, 2010). Predictors for fearful and phobic behaviour in adult dogs was the focus of Claire Corridan’s paper (Corridan et al, 2010). Dr Rachel Casey spoke on risk factors for idiopathic cystitis in cats identifying that access to outdoors, time spent outdoors, distribution of litter trays and avoidance of familiar people and other household cats are all useful predictors of inappropriate urination. Goncalo Da Graca Pereira presented the first of many papers investigating the effects of L- Tryptophan supplementation and its effects on multi-housed cats and working dogs. This was followed by a paper on the effect of tryptophan supplanted diets and physical activity on blood serotonin concentration in a population of non aggressive dogs. Gary Landsberg presented a paper discussing the effects of Harmonease (a chewable oral anxiolytic containing extracts of Magnolia and Phellodendron) in reducing noise induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory canine model of thunderstorm simulation. Jill Cline presented evidence on the effects of a novel diet containing MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) which increased blood levels of - hydroxybutyrate and enhanced cognitive function in a number of cognitive tests: landmark test, egocentric test and variable oddity test. Ulrike Falbesaner described the ‘He won’t bite!- How to avoid dangerous situations with dogs’ project currently underway in Germany, aiming to convey knowledge on dog bite prevention to the dog owning population there. Tiny De Keuster then discussed the challenges and potential barriers in attempting to market dog bite prevention using traditional ‘fear messages’ which can induce negative perceptions and ultimately ‘switch off’ the people you are attempting to target. The political difficulties in enforcing dog bite protective legislation were also covered (Schmidt, 2010) in a paper discussing the impact of legislation on both dogs and dog owners currently living in Germany and the practical impact legislation has had, or not had in reducing the incidence of dog bite injuries.Although cats and dogs provided the main focus of attention during this conference, examples from other species were not totally forgotten! Anneli Muser Leyvraz presented a study of learned helplessness in a Jardine’s parrot, originally written together with Elisabeth Walsh which unfortunately could not be present; Dr Anne McBride talked on the origins, behaviour and behavioural therapy in rabbits; Maria Cristina Osella shared her experiences on the behaviour of Valdostana calves.The conference format enabled time for discussion and questions following the majority of the papers which also facilitated critique of some of the research methodology used and proffering of advice on alternative approaches or enhancement of experimental techniques. This was further enhanced by the 2 ‘Study Days’ offered at the end of the main conference which enabled candidates considering assessment in the ECVBM- CA exams to review the salient areas of current veterinary behavioural knowledge and discuss areas where evidence is lacking and further research warranted.This conference provided an opportunity for delegates to meet, catch up and formulate new research initiatives as all good conferences should. Unfortunately the social programme had to be scaled back due to financial constraints but the conference dinner was well supported and enjoyed by all (as the photographs attest!). Although this was a collaborative effort by all of the organizations mentioned, Barbara Schöning, the current GTVMT President, much be congratulated on her contribution in ensuring that not only the logistics were covered but that all of the delegates enjoyed their trip to Hamburg!
15th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE)
From 29 to 31 October we were welcomed in the The Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Edinburgh for the 7th International Veterinary Behaviour Meeting (IVBM), the 15th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE), the 6th Annual Meeting of the European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine-Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA) and the Companion Animal Behavioural Therapy Study Group Annual Congress (CABTSG).
In 41 oral presentations and 52 posters an update was given on the most recent findings in the behaviour, mainly of companion animals. Main themes were relationships with dogs, predicting behaviour, interventions on behaviour, training and communication, influences of the client on behaviour, stress management, behavioural physiology, animal management and behaviour, assessing behaviour and cognition and profiling animals, its application and implication. As usual in these joint meetings, it became an interesting confrontation between scientists and practitioners. But this time also there was a very interesting mix of veterinarians and non veterinarians, whereby both groups could share experiences and learn from each other. Practical applications and more theoretic findings were demonstrated, challenging the audience to think and compare. Not always an easy task, so most breaks were welcomed and used to discuss with colleagues. Already from the first day people were debating about the conferences during the pauses, illustrating that what was presented was challenging their thoughts and opinions. This is how a congress should be. Some practitioners felt a bit lost in the abundance of scientific papers, because as no specific theme was chosen for this congress, in many fields only a tip of the veil was lifted and there were many veils. Perhaps a suggestion for the future to include a minimum of lectures that are specific for practitioners and contain theoretic findings and practical applications in one lecture. In that context it was interesting to see that nearby many posters interested people were discussing with the authors. These posters were mostly very practical and it is regrettable that for some posters are less important than the oral presentations. It was my personal feeling that many of these posters had a high applicability in daily practice and were based on sound research. Was there only science in Edinburgh? Certainly not, but who can describe the value of the social contacts, the dinner in the caves, the knees of some of the male attendants and the reaction of their female colleagues?
This is what makes a congress a unique event: it brings us together as colleagues, sharing the passion to understand the other animals and sends us home as friends. With already in our agenda the place of the next rendezvous: Hamburg.
14th ESVCE ANNUAL CONGRESS: October 2008
Report on the annual combined congress of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) and the European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA)
The annual combined congress of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) and the European College of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine – Companion Animals (ECVBM-CA) was held in Bellaterra-Barcelona on October 16-17, 2008; the selected topics were “Aggression in companion animals - from physiology to prevention” and “Physiological indicators of behavioural disorders”.
The meeting, which was attended by about 200 delegates, included 18 oral and 15 poster presentations.
On the first day of the meeting, T. De Keuster spoke about the epidemiology and prevention of canine aggression; she emphasised the importance of more research and the role of education in the prevention of dog bites. C. Halsberghe highlighted important issues concerning aggression in the veterinary practice and stressed the importance of keeping up with the latest scientific developments.
In his talk about the ethology of canine aggression, J. Fatjó assessed the differences in classification and understanding of canine aggression between different authors. K. Houpt gave an overview about physiological and biological correlates of aggressive behaviour in companion animals, such as hormonal, neurological, nutritional or genetical factors.
B. Schöning presented results of a study, which indicate that formal and standardised temperament tests can give some information on the probability of biting. The importance of training methods and puppy socialisation classes was examined in a study about the identification of risk factors for aggression towards conspecifics (Richards et al.,). C. Syracusa spoke about the influence of housing systems on fear and aggression of dogs housed in no-kill shelters in Italy, and based on these findings, gave recommendations to promote welfare and adoption of these dogs.
However, as J. Fatjó pointed out, aggression may potentially impair the social bond between two individuals; a study conducted by Cozzi et al., disclosed evidence for reconciliation in dogs.
A study presented by J. Kiddie did not only identify risk factors for owner directed aggression in domestic cats, but showed that the way questions about aggressive behaviour were asked influenced the outcome.
D. Mills transmitted results about the influence of Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone on young rabbits, and E. Walsh spoke about factors, which influence the perception of three breeds of dog in Ireland.
The second day started with a talk given by P. Pageat. Measurements of the heart rate before, during and after transport showed that horses experience stress also during transports of short duration. A study conducted by Léon et al, examined peripheral 5-HT concentrations in the blood of dogs with different aggressive behaviours.
M. Alnot-Perronin pointed out that anxiety-related behaviours are very common in parrots, and presented evidence that measurements of the Heterophil to Lymphocyte Ratio could be used to assess anxiety in these birds.
R. De Meester spoke about a new test and scoring system capable of differentiating behavioural differences in guide dogs to improve breeding populations of guide dogs. D. Mills related the results of a study, which had examined the visual processing of human faces by dogs.
G. Landsberg added more knowledge on the long-term effect of DAP collars on socialisation of puppies. Finally, S. Normando gave an overview on the prevalence of problem behaviours of rabbits, ferrets and rodents kept as pets, as mentioned by the owners.
A round table on the prevention of canine aggression concluded the programme.
The coffee breaks were employed to discuss the presented posters with the authors and to obtain information about products offered by the exhibiting enterprises; the mild autumn weather permitted to pass the coffee breaks outside on the campus. The Gala dinner, which took place on Thursday evening, permitted to taste various samples of delicious Catalan food and to cultivate contacts to other delegates.
