AVA Member Updates

This month we’ve pivoted a few plans and roles in order to better deliver opportunities to the membership. I’d like to thank the new heads of the Southern Rural Branch Dr Jess Schilling and Dr Milly Watts for stepping into the role of branch leader and I look forward to seeing what our gatherings in 2025 will bring.

The AVA’s submission in response to the proposed amendments to the South Australian Dog and Cat Management Act advocates pausing the legislative changes to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based Cat Management Strategy before proceeding with amendments.

September has been a busy month and has flown by, how is it October already!? I had the privilege of attending the SAFE CRC (Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and Environments) Summit at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide. On first look at the title it might seem a bit dry, yet it was an incredibly interesting event with diversity in the insights across industries. 

Spring has officially sprung! So too has our official equine breeding season, and all the lovely warm weather joys - tick paralysis cases, bee stings, snake envenomation and so on. I do hope you are all managing to find some “down time” to balance the hard work.

A highlight this month was connecting with colleagues in the UK to exchange insights, deepen my understanding of the unique challenges they face, and gain a greater appreciation for their extensive advocacy efforts.

Wow, what a month it has been. The Tassie conference was a big hit and attendance was terrific. I was incredibly proud to see everyone back together; catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Our speakers were amazing, the trade exhibit was informative and fun, and the gala dinner was SUPER!! I would like to thank all the speakers for the effort they put into their presentations, the Tasmanian Division committee for their support and help, and the national AVA crew for all their hard work in pulling it together.

The Queensland Division has been busy across the state - President Dr Regan Lynch and senior advocacy officer Dr Robyn Whittaker have been meeting with Biosecurity Queensland, University of Queensland, the newly appointed University of Queensland Student representative - Sophie McCallum, and the Queensland Veterinary Surgeons Board. 

APVMA Recall notice: Elanco Australasia has initiated a voluntary recall of Neptra Otic Solution for Dogs.

We now focus our efforts on our Conference in February 2025! There will be something we can all sink our teeth into! If you have any suggestions or ideas for the upcoming conference, now is the time to contact one of your committee members and let us know. Keep your eyes peeled for information regarding registration and schedule over the next few months.

The NT AVA Division President’s Reception Quiz Night was a great success, with over 60 members of the NT veterinary community in attendance.