AVA VIC President Update - August 2022

I’m sure most Presidents’ messages begin by saying how busy the Division has been, and well, I’m going to say that again. There’s been a lot that the Association has been addressing, from animal health, animal welfare and issues directly affecting the profession itself.

The much publicised spread of FMD to Indonesia has brought a number of aspects of emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness and surveillance into the spotlight. The Victorian Division has been involved in a range of related activities associated with the spread to our regional neighbourhood of FMD, Lumpy Skin Disease and African Swine Fever. It is clear that many more veterinarians than are employed by government will be required for an EAD response, and Agriculture Victoria is working with the AVA to develop a ‘contract of employment’ – or more accurately, a ‘Deed of Standing Offer” that will set out the conditions under which interested private veterinarians would be employed to assist a disease response in Victoria. These contract conditions are consistent with those agreed nationally by all states and territories.

The focus on EAD preparedness also has highlighted the role of private practitioners who are at the front line regarding general surveillance for early detection of EADs. Investigating unusual disease events is an effective means of detecting diseases that shouldn’t be there, and providing continuing confidence of Australia’s freedom from them. I urge all rural practitioners in particular, to utilise the Significant Disease Investigation Program (offered by Agriculture Victoria) which provides significant subsidies to vets and livestock owners and free laboratory testing to investigate cases of unusual disease – such as where there is unexpected morbidity or mortality, or non-response to treatment. The subsidies available in that program allow for disease investigations at less cost to clients, so it would be useful to let your clients know it is available to support them in certain circumstances.

Other initiatives taking up the Victorian Division’s attention include ongoing input into the development of a new Animal Care and Protection Bill to replace the aging Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. This new legislation is likely to contain provisions which will, in essence, prescribe ‘vet only’ procedures, important for ensuring the welfare of animals is protected against incompetent lay operators for certain activities.

Finally we are preparing an ‘AVA Election Platform’ for the upcoming Victorian state election, to highlight to all Parties and parliamentarians the key issues affecting the veterinary profession and the provision of veterinary services, requiring the next state government’s attention. 

Please don’t forget that the AVA is here to inform, assist and support you, so stay in touch and let us know of any issues you believe AVA Victoria can assist with.

Best regards,
Hugh Millar