Policies

Pain and analgesia

Policy Pain in animals must be prevented, relieved and managed whenever possible. Euthanasia is indicated where an animal is suffering, or is likely to suffer, intractable pain, where treatment is […]

Use of analgesia for routine husbandry procedures

Policy Appropriate and effective analgesia during potentially painful livestock husbandry procedures must be used and promoted. Protocols should be available for operators to appropriately and safely use analgesics during painful […]

Dentistry in non-traditional companion animals

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for veterinarians managing dental health in non-traditional companion species. Policy Non-traditional companion species with teeth require regular veterinary assessment of […]

Feeding of live mammals to snakes

Policy The feeding of live mammals to snakes is strongly opposed. Background Although the feeding of live mammalian prey to snakes occurs in herpetoculture, the AVA considers that the welfare […]

Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs

Policy Rabbits and guinea pigs must be fed a predominantly grass hay and/or grass diet, to ensure proper wear of their dentition, to promote proper gut function and to ensure […]

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 […]

Telemedicine practice

Policy Veterinarians conducting veterinarian-to-client telemedicine consultations must ensure that they are registered to practise in the state or territory in which the patient is located, or that their current registration […]