Search all news
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
Role of veterinarians in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
Policy There are two main roles for veterinarians in the oversight of use of animals for scientific purposes: As a member of an animal ethics committee (AEC) As an institutional
Sow housing
Policy Sow housing should optimise the health, nutrition and welfare of sows, newly born piglets and unborn piglets. Feeding systems for pregnant sows housed in groups must minimise aggression and
Beak trimming of commercial poultry
Position Statement Beak trimming of commercial poultry is endorsed only in situations in which it is needed to reduce the prevalence of pecking and cannibalism which is not able to
Commercial layer hen housing systems
Policy The housing system in any commercial egg production system must provide for both the health and the welfare of laying hens. The AVA supports the egg industry in their
Appropriate use of post-nominals
Position statement The use of post-nominals is encouraged when appropriate. Usage should follow the general rules and guidelines as dictated by convention and appropriate resources such as the Commonwealth of
Clinical veterinary internships
Adapted from AVMA veterinary internships guidelines Policy An internship should prepare a veterinarian for a membership, residency, advanced specialty training or high-quality clinical practice. It should be a mutually beneficial
AVA Clinical internship guidelines
General Veterinary clinical internship programs are usually completed over a 12 month period; the maximum time to complete an internship is 24 months. It is optimal but not essential that
Equality, diversity and inclusion
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 the mental health
In-house diagnostic pathology and pathology referrals
Policy Veterinarians offering ‘in-house’ diagnostic pathology services should ensure that equipment and services are subject to regular quality control and quality assurance testing. Staff should be thoroughly trained in the
The veterinarian’s role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community companion animal health and management programs
Purpose This policy aims to provide guidance for veterinarians providing veterinary services and/or assisting with the management of dogs and cats kept as companion animals within Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Licensing of Veterinarians
Policy State and territory veterinary registration boards are the legislated authorities to regulate veterinary professional conduct. Veterinarians should not be subject to disciplinary proceedings for matters of professional conduct under
Australian National Centres for Disease Control (Australian CDC)
Policy The AVA calls for the establishment of an Australian Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) or equivalent, based on a One Health approach. The One Health framework requires
Animal welfare and human wellbeing – vulnerability of clients and veterinary staff
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 the mental health
Unpaid veterinary services performed for public good
Policy Private veterinary practitioners within Australia make a significant contribution to areas of public good from which society derives benefits, often on an unpaid basis. Veterinary services performed for public