Policies

The role of veterinarians in emergency animal management

Ratification Date: 11 Dec 2024 Policy Suitably experienced veterinarians must be engaged by governments and relevant agencies in the development and implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans, to […]

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 […]

Native animals as pets

Policy Native Australian animals should only be kept as pets when the following criteria can be satisfied: Keeping the particular species is allowed by law (this may vary with state), […]

Sale of unweaned altricial birds

Policy Unweaned altricial birds should not be sold. Background An altricial bird is one that is hatched with eyes closed with little or no down, is nest bound and fed […]

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 […]

Code of practice for the use of prescription animal remedies (Schedule 4 substances) in the poultry industry

Policy Veterinarians must be familiar with federal and state legislation, as it applies to their obligations as a registered veterinarian in the state(s) in which they practise, relating to the […]

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 […]

Veterinary prescribing rights

Policy Veterinary prescribing rights (to obtain, possess, administer, prescribe, supply or recommend veterinary chemicals, medicines or poisons) are a privilege conferred on individual registered veterinarians. The responsible exercise of prescribing […]

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 […]