Name change for Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group

_{Image: Dr Isabelle Resch, president of the AVA's Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine SIG, with her wire haired Jack Russell terrier Joe.}

In an exciting development for one of AVA’s long standing special interest groups, the AVA Board has approved a request from the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG) to change the name of the group to Australian Veterinary Behavioural Medicine (AVBM). 

The impetus for the change is to look to the future and allows for membership growth.  

The field of veterinary behavioural medicine, the research base and practice has grown and developed rapidly over the last 20 years. It is a field in the unique position to diagnose medical conditions that can affect a pet’s behaviour, as well as treat conditions that are behavioural or due to mental ill-health. Behavioural medicine requires a broad knowledge of the physical and emotional health of animals, as well as the knowledge of how to help clients implement the prescribed treatment plan. 

We feel that veterinary behavioural medicine is a science-based field that deserves a greater recognition in the field of veterinary medicine than the name 'Behaviour Interest Group' provides. As such, we would like the name of this group to reflect the rapidly growing and developing field of veterinary behavioural medicine. 

We will officially launch the name change at the upcoming AVA National Conference in May. 

Dr Isabelle Resch - AVBM President