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Vaccination of rabbits and ferrets
Technical update: September 2022 Policy Vaccination of pet rabbits against rabbit caliciviral disease and ferrets against distemper is recommended. Background Rabbits Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus Rabbit calicivirus disease or Rabbit
Responsible use of veterinary immunobiologicals in cats and dogs
Policy Immunobiological products (vaccines) should only be administered to dogs and cats by a registered veterinarian or under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Background The correct use of immunobiological
Responsible use of veterinary medicines on farms
Policy Veterinarians should engage with their farmer clients to promote the responsible use of veterinary medicines on farms. Farmers should observe appropriate precautions when using veterinary medicines in their animals
Use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary practice
Policy Veterinarians must use antimicrobials judiciously, in order to provide optimal healthcare for their patients, reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and preserve these critical medicines for future use.
Veterinary use of compounded pharmaceuticals
Policy A compounded product should only be used when no other registered product [1] can effectively treat the condition. A compounded medication should only be used if the registered product
Cytotoxic Drug Safety – Minimising the risk to veterinary staff and clients
Policy The use of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents in veterinary practice must occur in a way which avoids harm to the personnel potentially exposed to the drugs, including veterinary practice staff
Guidelines – Cytotoxic Drug Safety
Guidelines – Cytotoxic Drug Safety – Minimising the risk to veterinary staff and clients Minimise exposure: Exposure to cytotoxic chemotherapy agents and clinical waste can occur if control measures fail.
Control of feral horses and other equidae
Policy Feral horses have the capacity to negatively impact the environment, the welfare and sustainability of wildlife, the economy, and social amenity. Control programs to manage feral horses must be
Control of native and introduced animals causing damage to agriculture or habitat
Policy Control programs to protect the environment, social amenity and agriculture from invasive animals must be carried out humanely. They must use best practice methods based on scientific research, and
Farming of native fauna
Purpose To provide a basis for AVA advocacy on issues related to commercial farming of native fauna. Policy As Australian native fauna have intrinsic value and ecological significance, and require
Kangaroo and wallaby population control
Position Statement Population management of large macropods (kangaroos, wallabies, euro’s etc) is necessary to prevent circumstances where there could be significant welfare or environmental issues arising from overpopulation. Management and
Great veterinary workplaces
Note: The following policies should be considered as a group; together they provide a set of principles which underpin the AVA’s wellness strategy: Great veterinary workplaces (2023); Safeguarding and improving
Electroejaculation of Bulls, Rams, and Bucks
This is an updated policy which merges and replaces two previous policies: Electroejaculation of rams (2013) and Collection of semen from animals by electroejaculation (2008). Policy To ensure the welfare of
AVA clinical veterinary internship guidelines
Policy Internships should be structured training programs designed to provide mentored, experiential clinical training for veterinarians seeking to advance their competence and prepare for membership, residency, advanced specialty training or
Exotic pet and wildlife trade
Purpose This document is intended to raise awareness of biodiversity, biosecurity and welfare risks associated with the legal and illegal trade in wildlife. This policy is mainly focused on the