When it comes to stress, we humans tend to think we have a corner on the market. But scientists have long known that stress is also experienced by animals, triggering many of the same physiological responses experienced by humans. To better understand the causes and results of stress in animals on farms, in research laboratories, in zoos and in the wild, scientists, animal advocates and policy makers from around the world will gather Aug. 16-19 at UC Davis for an international conference on the biology of animal stress. "People think that because we can't put animals on a psychiatrist's couch, that they don't experience stress, but they truly do," says Gary Moberg, associate dean of the Division of Animal Biology in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and an authority on animal stress. "Stress is simply the biological response of an individual to a perceived threat." When environmental conditions stimulate stress, changes occur in the animal's biology to place it at risk. If the stress is severe enough, the animal may no longer be able to reproduce, growth may be reduced and the animal, like humans, will be vulnerable to disease. It is essential, therefore, that every effort be made to assure that animals live in an environment that minimizes stress. During the conference, participants will exchange research findings in hopes of developing a better understanding of animal stress and improved methods for managing animals. The meeting, which will be held in the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center, is the inaugural event for the new Center for Animal Welfare at UC Davis. A related workshop on stress in farm animals also will be offered Saturday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.