Tasmanian Wildlife Strategy doesn't support local veterinarians to deliver care to wildlife

It is with disappointment that the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has removed support for the Tasmanian Strategy for Wildlife, effective 4th May 2023.

Because veterinarians care about the provision of care for wildlife the AVA has been involved in the ‘Tasmanian Strategy for Wildlife’ since it started in 2021.

“We have been advocating for the provision of veterinary care to be delivered at the grass roots level, where the wildlife is, to no avail” Tasmanian Division President Dr Rhianna Booth said.

Local veterinary care is critical to achieving modern standards of animal welfare and effective biosecurity. Legislation requires veterinarians to provide first aid, but without a mechanism to recoup the costs of that care. If veterinarians remain unsupported in their obligated treatment of wildlife, it places their practices and well-being at risk. We need there to be consideration that veterinary practices are currently functioning at beyond capacity. Being expected to prioritise care for wildlife with no financial support does not allow veterinary practices to maintain safe working conditions of veterinarians and veterinary support staff, in an already busy day.

The AVA is unable to support this position. The AVA's priority is to continue to support veterinarians, professionally, financially and emotionally. We hope that our concerns can be addressed in the future, and we can consider rejoining the strategy.

“Veterinarians want to help - the health and welfare of animals is central our purpose, but we have to make sure we put on our own oxygen mask on first. That is, protect ourselves from financial vulnerability so that we can continue to serve all animals in our communities” said Dr Booth.