Policies

Animal Welfare

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   as the basis of advocacy on […]

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 

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 students, participating veterinary workplaces and educational institutions.   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 […]

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 […]

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 […]