National News

Recognise excellence and innovation: Nominations open for 2026 AVA Awards

Each year, the veterinary profession comes together to honour the remarkable contributions of veterinarians who are shaping the future of our profession. The AVA Awards represent the pinnacle of distinction within veterinary science in Australia – celebrating excellence, innovation, dedication and service to the profession.

AVA marks World AMR Awareness Week with prescribing guidelines

This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,” highlights the urgent need for collective action to safeguard human and animal health.

The AVA provides comprehensive antimicrobial prescribing guidelines to support veterinary professionals in having quick and easy access to the information they need.

AVA Conference 2026: Program now live!

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is pleased to announce that the full scientific program for the AVA Conference 2026 is now live, as the conference makes an exciting return to Brisbane for the first time since 2018.

SIG in the Spotlight: The Commercial Poultry Veterinarians Group

Bringing together veterinarians from across Australia and New Zealand, the CPV Group provides members with opportunities to influence AVA policy, attend biannual scientific conferences, and connect with colleagues through the AVPA and beyond. Through these initiatives, the CPV continues to strengthen Australia’s poultry sector, promoting best practices in animal health, public health, and food safety.

AVA 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submissions to Commonwealth Government

The AVA are drafting a Commonwealth pre-budget submissions for the 2026/2027 financial year. AVA Members are invited to contribute by identifying possible priorities for inclusion.

Celebrating Human-Animal Bond Day: Compassion that connects communities

Every year on 8 November, Human-Animal Bond Day celebrates and promotes the special bond between humans and animals. This day highlights not just companionship but how meaningful these relationships can be for emotional health, social connection, and community wellbeing.

Consultation: NSW Inquiry into licenses to harm native animals

The AVA is preparing a submission to the NSW Inquiry into licenses to harm native animals, and we are seeking AVA Member feedback to help inform our submission.

Consultation on NSW Cattle Tick Program

The NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner is seeking veterinary feedback on the NSW Cattle tick program.

Don Kerr Award Recipient: Dr Arran Hersburgh

At the Australian Veterinary Association’s AVA Awards presentation earlier this year, Dr Arran Hersburgh was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Don Kerr Student Award, which recognises exceptional commitment and academic achievement in cattle medicine.

SIG in the Spotlight: Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group (AVAG)

The Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group (AVAG) is a SIG that brings together veterinary practitioners who recognise the benefits of acupuncture supported by evidence-based research. The SIG’s aim is to promote the use of acupuncture in veterinary practice as a drug free, complementary therapy which can be used in conjunction with conventional western medicine and surgery.