Policy Advisory Council (PAC) update

In the past 3 years AVA has been reviewing our Policy Compendium to update older policies, and develop new policies on issues of concern to the profession. 

AVA policies have wide-reaching influence and underpin AVA’s advocacy work, especially AVA submissions.  We are so grateful to PAC members for this important service to the organisation.

The most recent group of policies to be ratified by the Board are as follows (9 updates, 1 new):

• Dentistry in non-traditional companion animals (update)
• The role of veterinarians in emergency animal management (update)
• Humane slaughter of animals (update)
• Puppy and kitten socialisation and habituation (update)
• Biosecurity and quarantine (update)
• Use of projectile syringe equipment and other remote delivery devices (update)
• Infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces (update)
• Farming of native fauna (update)
• The veterinarian’s role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community companion animal health and management programs (update)
• Sustainability: implications for animal production, companion animals and veterinary practice (new)

The Policy Council webpage has been updated accordingly.

There are a further 5 policies currently out for member comment:

• Use of electroimmobilisation on animals (update)
• Medication of dogs and cats for air transport (update)
• Aftercare of horses transitioning from racing (new)
• Exotic pet and wildlife trade (new)
• Forced Swim Test and Forced Smoke Inhalation Experiments (new)

We welcome all comments by AVA members. Please post your comments in the forum (need to log in first), or email them to melanie.latter@ava.com.au by COB 21 February.