Policies

Animal Welfare – Copy

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification Date: 16/07/2026 Purpose  To provide an overarching statement on animal welfare that can be used:    as the basis for development of further animal welfare related policies and AVA strategy   […]

Animal Welfare

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratification date: 16/07/2026  Purpose  To provide an overarching statement on animal welfare that can be used: as the basis for development of further animal welfare related policies and AVA strategy […]

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ratified: 16/07/2026   Note: The following policies should be considered as a group (see other related policies); together they provide a set of principles which underpin the AVA’s wellness strategy:   Definitions   Diversity: The mix of people […]

Enrichment for commercially raised pigs

Ratification date: 16/07/2026  Purpose  To advocate for the mandatory provision of appropriate, evidence-based environmental enrichment for all commercially raised pigs in Australia, and for its explicit inclusion as a requirement during […]

Euthanasia of pigs 

Ratification date: 16/07/2026  Purpose  To provide guidance to veterinarians and industry stakeholders on decision making and methods for euthanasia of pigs on farm.   To highlight key areas of consideration when developing […]

Mulesing

Ratification date: 16/07/26   Purpose  To provide a platform for AVA to advocate for the phase-out of mulesing, and to emphasize the role of veterinarians in assisting producers to transition.  Policy  It […]

Pig housing to enhance the health and welfare of all classes of pigs

Ratification date: 16/07/26  Purpose  To provide a resource for veterinarians working with pigs to support veterinary input and highlight its importance when developing pig housing practices, to ensure housing systems meet […]

Veterinary Student Clinical Extramural Work-Integrated Learning 

Download Policy → Policies Home → Ratified: 16/07/2026  Purpose To advocate for improved processes and structures around veterinary student clinical Extramural Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, including clearer expectations for […]

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in pet birds, backyard poultry and wild birds

Ratification Date: 18 Nov 2025 Purpose This policy provides a basis for advocacy to governments about HPAI preparedness and response strategies impacting private veterinary practitioners who work with aviculture, pet […]

Surgical mulesing

Ratification Date: 18 June 2009 (AVA Board revision: May 2013) Position statement Blowfly strike is a serious animal welfare concern. Alternative methods of fly strike management and blowfly control that […]