Policies

Tail docking of cattle

Policy Tail docking in cattle should be performed only for therapeutic reasons on veterinary advice. Background Tail docking (i.e. removal of tails by amputation or by the use of rubber […]

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine

Position statement The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recommends that veterinarians make informed and judicious decisions regarding the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) modalities. The AVA recognises the […]

Johne’s disease

Position statement The objectives and activities of the National Johne’s Disease Control Program are important in ongoing efforts to contain and control the spread of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis on Australian farms. […]

Beef and sheep feedlots

Policy Beef cattle and sheep/lamb feedlots must be operated in compliance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle and the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for […]

The management of antlers on farmed deer

Policy Deer velveting must be carried out by a veterinarian or by a deer farmer trained and accredited under the National Velveting Accreditation Scheme (NVAS). Background A stag or buck […]

Racing two year old thoroughbreds

Policy Two-year-old horses that are obviously immature in age and development, or have significant faults in conformation, should not be raced. Background Two-year-old racing is an integral part of the […]

Transport of horses

Policy The Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Land Transport approved by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) should be uniformly adopted and effectively enforced Australia-wide. Background Horses are transported […]

Beef and sheep feedlots

Policy Beef cattle and sheep/lamb feedlots must be operated in compliance with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle and the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for […]

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 […]

Circus animals

Position statement The use of animals in circuses is a matter of growing community debate, and can have considerable animal welfare implications. Such use is acceptable only where the welfare […]