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Surgical mulesing
Position statement Blowfly strike is a serious animal welfare concern. Alternative methods of fly strike management and blowfly control that do not involve surgical removal of skin from the breech
Tail docking and castration of lambs and sheep
Policy Tail docking and castration of lambs under three (3) months of age by non-veterinarians are acceptable provided that: the procedures are performed by a skilled and preferably accredited operator;
Disbudding of goat kids
Policy Disbudding of goats is a painful procedure that should be performed in kids under 2 weeks of age by an appropriately skilled veterinarian using heavy sedation/anaesthesia and analgesia. Thermal
Infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces
Purpose To inform members of the veterinary profession about the key principles of infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces, and point to useful further resources. Policy It is essential
Cosmetic surgery to alter the natural appearance of animals
Policy Surgical procedures performed on animals for purely cosmetic reasons, such as tail docking and ear cropping, are unacceptable under any circumstances. Background Tail docking and ear cropping of dogs
Use of electroimmobilisation on animals
Purpose To provide guidance to veterinarians and other users on the use of electroimmobilisation on animals in Australia. To advocate for the regulation of sale and access to electroimmobilisation devices
Embryo collection and embryo transfer
Policy Embryo collection and embryo transfer in animals should only be conducted by registered, appropriately trained, veterinarians or persons under the direct and immediate supervision of a registered veterinarian. Background
Pain and analgesia
Policy Pain in animals must be prevented, relieved and managed whenever possible. Euthanasia is indicated where an animal is suffering, or is likely to suffer, intractable pain, where treatment is
Surgical alteration of companion animals’ natural functions for human convenience
Policy Surgical procedures performed on companion animals primarily to provide a convenience or benefit to humans are not supported or recommended. The welfare of animals is paramount, so the risks
Use of analgesia for routine husbandry procedures
Policy Appropriate and effective analgesia during potentially painful livestock husbandry procedures must be used and promoted. Protocols should be available for operators to appropriately and safely use analgesics during painful
Use of projectile syringe equipment and other remote delivery devices
Policy Systems for the remote delivery of drugs to livestock, wild animals, zoo animals or companion animals can be used safely and humanely, provided that the people involved in the
Dentistry in non-traditional companion animals
Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for veterinarians managing dental health in non-traditional companion species. Policy Non-traditional companion species with teeth require regular veterinary assessment of
Feeding of live mammals to snakes
Policy The feeding of live mammals to snakes is strongly opposed. Background Although the feeding of live mammalian prey to snakes occurs in herpetoculture, the AVA considers that the welfare
Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs
Policy Rabbits and guinea pigs must be fed a predominantly grass hay and/or grass diet, to ensure proper wear of their dentition, to promote proper gut function and to ensure
Myxomatosis vaccination of pet rabbits
Position Statement Steps should be taken to introduce a safe and effective myxomatosis vaccination program to protect the health of pet rabbits while not impacting unfavourably upon the control of