AVA Member Updates

Each year on July 6, we mark World Zoonoses Day, commemorating Pasteur’s first successful rabies vaccine and a timely opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for cross-sector collaboration and education to tackle zoonotic disease threats globally and locally.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has lodged a formal submission to Racing Queensland (RQ) expressing strong opposition to the proposed veterinary permit system under Australian Rules of Racing AR 2 and new rule AR 104B. The submission was developed by Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) with our Advocacy team.

Let’s be real. No two days in vet practice are ever the same. One minute you’re helping deliver a litter of pups, the next you’re navigating a tough consult with an emotional pet parent or jumping into an unexpected emergency. It’s rewarding, it’s unpredictable, and sometimes? It’s downright chaotic.

Canine otitis externa is a common condition in dogs which has traditionally been managed with multi-dose take-home medications. This frequently results in significant compliance challenges from pet owners, often leading to frustration and poor outcomes. A study1 has shown that up to 80% of owners gave the incorrect dose when administering ear products to their dog.

In Dr Gemma Chuck's June update, she shares updates on the AVA Transition Project, drought resources, international engagement and membership renewal.

The AVA has lodged a detailed submission to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in response to the Proposed Protection from Harmful Radiation Regulation 2025. The draft regulation represents a significant shift in how radiation safety is managed in NSW, aiming to modernise, simplify, and align regulation with actual risk.

The ACT Legislative Assembly recently passed a Bill introducing the first set of amendments arising from the recent review of the Veterinary Practice Act.

Following the release of the amended Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022 on 12 June 2025, an overview of key changes and provisions is being produced by the AVA Advocacy Team.

The AVA QLD Division is seeking input from members in response to concerns raised about the potential health impacts of fire ant bait ingestion on domestic animals and wildlife in areas of South East Queensland where mass aerial baiting is underway.

The Australian Registry for Wildlife Health and DPIRD are hosting a series of free workshops in August and September in coastal areas of NSW to provide training for private veterinarians and vet nurses in handling, sampling and humane euthanasia of wild birds.