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A two-day international workshop entitled "Applied Veterinary Research: Advancing Human & Animal Health and Welfare" concluded successfully today (April 21) with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on veterinary education co-operation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the University of Edinburgh.
The workshop, co-organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the University of Edinburgh, was attended by some 200 veterinary and medical officers and experts mainly from international animal health organisations, overseas and Mainland veterinary authorities, universities, animal welfare organisations, HKSAR government departments and bureaux. Speakers comprised scientists and experts from the University of Edinburgh, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, the University of Hong Kong and the AFCD.
This was the first time that the AFCD collaborated with a renowned overseas institution to bring together local and international experts to discuss recent advances in veterinary research and the translation of research results into clinical practice to benefit humans and animals.
Human and animal health is closely linked, with 60 per cent of known human infectious diseases having their source in animals and 75 per cent of new emerging human diseases originating from animals. In view of this, the workshop also promoted the concept of "One World - One Health", emphasising the collaboration of multiple disciplines including medical and veterinary sciences and the environmental sectors in protecting and enhancing human and animal health and welfare as well as maintaining a sustainable environment.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Alan Wong, said, "The presentations over the past two days of the workshop have been interesting and thought-provoking. The discussions on the topic of 'One World - One Health' and how collaboration between different professionals may produce synergistic benefits have been productive."
Representing the HKSAR Government, Mr Wong signed an MOU on veterinary education co-operation with the Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Professor David Argyle.
The MOU seeks to strengthen partnership and strategic collaboration between the AFCD and the University. Under the MOU, exchanges of veterinary students and professionals between the AFCD and the University will be arranged, with a view to enabling them to gain knowledge and experience, and extending their exposure to a variety of veterinary medicine for professional development.
Ends/Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:28
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