The 50th ASAV Annual Conference, in collaboration with the Unusual Pets and Avian Veterinarians (UPAV) Group, Australian Veterinary Conservation (AVCB) Group, and Australian Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), was an exceptional gathering of 440 veterinary professionals, including 270 veterinarians, at the Cairns Convention Centre from 24 to 29 August 2025.
It marked a golden milestone for ASAV, who celebrated 50 years of leadership in small animal excellence, education and community. The room was charged with purpose as delegates came together to honour the past, celebrate the present and boldly envision the future.
The 2025 program delivered on all fronts. Topics spanned reptiles, small mammals, birds and wildlife, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging program.
The week was packed with inspiration, knowledge and connection – whether attending cutting-edge lectures, engaging in hands-on masterclasses, or catching up with colleagues over sunset socials, there truly was something for everyone.
Professor Patty Lathan opened proceedings with a double session on hypercortisolism, covering diagnostics and trilostane monitoring for small animal clinicians. At the same time, the UPAV stream spotlighted exotic pets, with Utrecht University’s Dr Nico Schoemaker and Dr Yvonne van Zeeland exploring pododermatitis in mammals and birds, feather-damaging behavior in psittacines, and ferret endocrine issues.
The UPAV Plenary by Dr van Zeeland kept the momentum, alongside popular sessions from Dr Luke Johnston, Dr Patty Lathan, and Dr Linda Fleeman. These talks highlighted international expertise and offered practical insights across both exotic and small animal medicine.
Dr Linda Fleeman also spoke on diabetic emergencies and feline remission in the Small Animal stream. International keynote Dr Susan Paterson addressed canine skin disease and alopecia, followed by Dr Catherine Chan’s systematic approach to diagnosing and treating skin masses.
Other highlights included the Dental stream led by Dr Aaron Forsayeth and Dr Bec Tucker on radiography, resorption, and case discussions, plus expert sessions in the Conservation Biology stream on wildlife health, rabies, zoonotic surveillance, E. canis, and cane toad toxicity. The Dental Plenary closed with Dr Rod Straw and Julia Cathie sharing new perspectives on radiation therapy for oral tumours. Dental stream keynote Dr Williana Basuki delivered 4 hours of engaging content on the final day. Topics ranged from malocclusion and “doggy braces” to nerve blocks, odontogenic cysts, and periodontal disease, providing attendees with tools to elevate their dental practice.
It was the unrivalled collegiality that made the week unforgettable, a vibrant community of like-minded professionals coming together to share, learn and celebrate five decades of impact.
Each day kicked off with sponsored breakfasts and wrapped up with a social event in the evening, setting a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Highlights included the ASAV Recent Graduate Evening for the classes of 2021–2024, plus the UPAV Dinner, Dermatology Masterclass, and Endocrinology Masterclass.
The social calendar sparkled with the Salt House Soirée on Tuesday and the spectacular Awards Gala Dinner – the Fur, Feathers, Fangs & Fins Fiesta – celebrating excellence with energy and flair. The week closed at Hemingway’s Brewery, where drinks, laughter, and shared memories made for the perfect farewell.
Congratulations to the ASAV, UPAV, AVCB and AVDS Executive Committees for delivering this unforgettable week for veterinarians.
