From playing a critical role in helping to recognise birds, reptiles, fish, and small exotic mammals as mainstream pets, to importing the rabbit vaccine that protects from both the RHDV1 strain and the RHDV2 strain of calicivirus, Dr Alex Rosenwax has been instrumental in advancing veterinary medicine in Australia.
This has all been achieved while supporting, and being supported by, the AVA and the Unusual Pets and Avian (UPAV) Group.
An AVA member since 1994, Dr Rosenwax has long been a leader in avian and exotic veterinary practice. He has served as AAVMA President and as a UPAV committee member, guiding the recognition of these fields across the veterinary community.
He became President of the then AVA Avian SIG in 2005 and continued in this role for approximately 7 years. During this period, he also served on the Policy Council for 3 years. His main focus is advocating for avian welfare and encouraging more members of the AVA veterinary community to become involved in avian medicine and surgery.
“I joined the AVA so that I could interact with other veterinarians,” Dr Rosenwax reflected.
“This was especially important to me because, at that time, the avian veterinary community was quite small and relatively isolated from the rest of the Australian veterinary profession.”
Serving as President of the Avian SIG – and later as a long-standing UPAV committee member – has been one of the most memorable parts of his career.
“During this period, birds, reptiles, fish, and small exotic mammals became recognised as mainstream pets. This shift in perception was achievable only through the long-term support of the AVA. Changing how both the public and veterinarians viewed small exotic animals was essential when lobbying for the introduction of a new rabbit vaccine.”
Dr Rosenwax was pivotal in the search for a new vaccine that culminated in importing the rabbit Filavac RHD2 vaccine, has contributed to policy, mentored widely, and is internationally recognised for advancing avian and exotic veterinary medicine.
“For me, the ultimate goal with the rabbit vaccine was to achieve a safer and more effective vaccine for rabbits, whether produced in Australia or sourced from overseas,” he said.
“The AVA, including members of the UPAV, played a vital role in assisting industry partners, clinical veterinarians, and other stakeholders in developing a plan for a newer, more comprehensive vaccine against RHDV2, which eventually led to the importation of the Filavac RHDV2 vaccine.”
Earlier this year, he was recognised for his work and achievements, receiving the AVA Meritorious Service Award, a testament to special or long-term service to the AVA, its Divisions, Branches, and Special Interest Groups.
The award may be an individual recognition, but Dr Rosenwax sees it as a nod to all involved.
“It was an unexpected honour to receive an award from the AVA. Many others have been involved as part of the team in various areas of advocacy for avian and unusual pets over the past 20 years. Many of them continue to work quietly in clinical practice, improving animal welfare and advancing the veterinary profession as a whole.”
“To receive an award from my peers is therefore greatly appreciated, as it recognises not only my contributions but also those of all the other veterinarians involved.
“I would like to thank the AVA and my colleagues for all their help and support over the years.”
Nominations for the 2026 AVA Awards are now open, and close 2 February 2026.