On Thursday 18 September, Animal Medicines Australia held our annual Animal Health Insight day, where leaders from across the animal health industry gather with the goal of fostering collaborative innovation in animal health to meet societal challenges facing governments, livestock producers, veterinarians and pet owners. Attended by approximately 140 researchers, regulatory specialists, marketers, veterinarians, communications professionals and other managers from across the AMA membership and animal health sector.
With a range of passionate industry voices presenting, attendees were treated to a day of valuable insights from some of the brightest minds in animal health. The day began with the audience hearing from Justine Pirie from SEC Newgate who provided a Mood of the Nation snapshot, followed by a compelling presentation by Ron Phillips of the US Animal Health Institute (AHI) on Policy and Pathways and the current US regulatory environment. Counsel House Director Leigh Moran gave an insight into government engagement which spurred a lot of conversations on the importance of continual collaboration between industry and government.
Counsel House Director Leigh Moran provided an update on the government’s priorities post-election
Kurt Hockey from ABARES spoke about Australia’s agricultural trade outlook, and with the changing landscape with the US, there are uncertain times ahead, however Australian beef and lamb exports are performing strongly. Guy Bursle provided an update on the APVMA’s agvet chemicals reform agenda and the regulator’s productivity focused activities.
A huge thank you to Dr Bonny Cumming from AMRRIC for an inspiring presentation on the importance of increasing access to veterinary medicines in remote communities and the absolute necessity of viewing it through a one health lens – from animal health to community wellbeing.
Vice President of the AVA Dr Diana Barker spoke of the absolute necessity to have a sustainable veterinary workforce as a matter of national importance whilst providing an update on the organisation’s priorities and advocacy that is so valuable to the animal health sector.
Dr Alica Kennedy from Cherished Pets gave an inspirational talk on the importance of social veterinary care
Dr Kristie Jenkins from the Immune Resilience Future Science Platform at Australia’s Centre for Disease Preparedness gave Insight attendees an overview of the organisation’s role in helping to protect Australia’s multi-billion dollar livestock and aquaculture industries, and the general public, from emerging infectious disease threats.
Dr Kerrie Wiley from The University of Sydney spoke of applying lessons learned from the social science of human vaccination behaviour to animal vaccination, misinformation around mRNA vaccines and the complex factors that drive people’s decisions not to vaccinate.
The final session of the day focused on social veterinary services, with Dr Alicia Kennedy from Cherished Pets advocating for the human-animal bond being recognised and valued for the role it plays in healthy and connected individuals and communities.
Rounding out the session was a lively panel discussion hosted by Ben Stapley, with Dr Barker, Dr Kennedy and Dr Robyn Whitaker from Veterinary and Community Care building a case for the social value of pets in our lives.
To close the conference, Animal Medicines Australia’s triennial Pets in Australia report was released. This report continues our triennial series of reports investigating the pet ownership experiences of Australians. Australia’s pet population continues to grow, with pet numbers now reaching 31.6 million, found in 73% of homes across the country, with dogs the most popular pet, owned by 49% of households. Expenditure on our pets also continues to rise, with $21.3 billion spent on our pets in the past 12 months.
Executive Director of Animal Medicines Australia, Ben Stapley, told guests at the launch:
“One thing remains certain; Australians love their pets. To ensure that as many Australians as possible can access the myriad benefits associated with pet ownership, we seek a policy environment that facilitates responsible pet ownership practices. This could be achieved by improving strata laws, providing support for vulnerable pet owners, developing and implementing a pilot program that provides support and veterinary services for vulnerable people and their pets, or through greater national consistency in companion animal policy settings.”
“We must ensure that Australians continue to have access to safe, effective and reliable veterinary medicines, and that veterinarians and animal owners are supported to use these products responsibly and sustainably.
Mr Stapley concluded the day with closing remarks on the animal health sector.
“Globally, we are seeing the same forces play out. Geopolitical instability is testing supply chains, while climate-related animal health threats are becoming more frequent. International trade, global regulatory frameworks and advances in science are all influencing how animal health systems adapt.
“Australia cannot tackle these challenges in isolation. Success requires collaboration across our industry, with government, veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and our international partners. By working together, we can build a resilient animal health sector that supports both global food security and the wellbeing of the pets and animals that matter to Australians.”
