The BBC World Service is joining forces with Wellcome Collection to explore some of the biggest challenges facing our world today in a new programme of events and radio broadcasts. In this programme, presenters Claudia Hammond and Graham Easton join scientists, other experts and a live audience to ask what is man’s relationship with animals.

Historically doctors and vets worked together and data from 19th Century zoos led to a better understanding of rickets and tuberculosis in humans and animals. Comparisons between the squalid conditions in the zoos and Victorian workhouses distilled out characteristics of the diseases and feeding lion cubs a better diet meant more survived. With the rise of modern medicine doctors and vets have become estranged. But could human medicine benefit from pioneering work in cats and dogs?

Speakers include:
Abigail Wood, Professor in the History of Human and Animal Health, Kings College London
Noel Fitzpatrick, Professor of Veterinary Orthopaedics, University of Surrey & Managing Director of specialist small animal hospital Fitzpatrick Referrals.

Produced in association with Wellcome Collection.

Image: Vet with happy dog. © Getty Images Show less