Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), the peak industry body representing the animal medicine sector, is today marking International Day of Veterinary Medicine. Celebrated on December 9th, the day recognises the role that veterinary medicine plays in protecting animal and human health and creating healthier environments.
Veterinarians do more than just take care of our pets; they’re involved in groundbreaking research that benefits both animals and humans, work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, and are key players in managing public health concerns by ensuring food safety, supporting biosecurity as well as protecting and preventing zoonotic diseases.
“The veterinary medicine and animal health sector contributes not only to better animal health and welfare for our pets, and livestock, but also support better physical and mental health for people, as well as a healthier environment,” said Ben Stapley, Executive Director of Animal Medicines Australia.
“Although it is often not apparent to society, protecting and improving the health of people and our communities is an integral aspect of veterinary medicine and animal health – and it is more important than ever for this role to be recognised and supported by governments and international human and animal health agencies.
“The sector is at the forefront of developing and delivering new animal health products and stands ready to supply tools and expertise during zoonotic disease outbreaks.
“Protecting and maintaining the health of our animals is essential to meet Australia’s ongoing animal health challenges, and in the context of global One Health principles, both are vital to humans and animals and to the environment we all share” says Mr. Stapley.
AMA calls on the government to implement policies that will create a more robust veterinary workforce to ensure that Australian farmers and pet owners have the support they need to care for their animals, produce high-quality safe food and fibre, respond to biosecurity threats and meet their climate goals.
AMA recommends the Government include the veterinary sector in existing whole of government rural subsidy schemes and invest in developing a National Veterinary Workforce Strategy. Expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to provide financial support for veterinary medicine students undertaking practical work placements in rural and regional areas, and implementing a Rural Bonding Scheme to forgive HECS/HELP debt will attract a broader veterinary workforce to these regional areas, alleviating some of the pressures faced by veterinarians, farmers and pet owners in regional and rural Australia.