Canberra, ACT – Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) is proud to join the global veterinary community in recognising World Veterinary Day on Saturday 25 April 2026, under the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.”
Chosen by the World Veterinary Association (WVA), this year’s theme highlights the critical role veterinarians play in safeguarding food security and food safety by protecting the health and welfare of animals across Australia’s agricultural and food production systems, while also supporting public health.
“This year’s theme recognises the essential contribution veterinarians make to ensuring Australia’s food supply is safe, nutritious and sustainably produced,” said AMA CEO Mr Ben Stapley.
“Veterinary care underpins Australia’s food security, but it is not delivered by individuals working alone – it depends on strong collaboration across the animal health and agricultural sectors,” Mr Stapley said. “World Veterinary Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the teams whose expertise and coordination support animal health across the food supply chain, from farms through to consumers.”
AMA recognises the vital contributions of those working behind the scenes in animal health, including our members that develop the animal medicines, to regulatory experts, educators and animal carers, who help ensure production animals receive safe, effective and timely veterinary care. Together, they all play a key role in maintaining productivity, biosecurity and confidence in Australia’s food system.
In the face of rising pressures on food production, including growing demand, workforce challenges, geopolitics and emerging animal health risks, the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health” highlights the essential role of collaboration in safeguarding animal welfare and securing Australia’s food supply through a One Health approach.
AMA’s policy priorities include targeted government incentives to support veterinary services in regional and rural Australia, where the majority of food production occurs, alongside regulatory settings that ensure veterinarians can access the full range of safe, effective and innovative animal health products they need to do their jobs. Together, these measures are central to strengthening the veterinary workforce and maintaining reliable access to animal health solutions that underpin a secure and resilient food supply.
“The food supply chain is a major employer across regional, rural and remote Australia and is central to the wellbeing of our communities and economy,” Mr Stapley said. “Protecting animal health depends on veterinarians having timely access to appropriate veterinary medicines and animal health products. These tools are fundamental to food security, animal welfare and public confidence in Australia’s food systems. Supporting veterinarians means ensuring they are equipped with the products and technologies they need to safeguard animal and human health.”
AMA is urging the Government to modernise regulatory and intellectual property frameworks so veterinarians continue to have access to innovative veterinary medicines and animal health products, and so Australia remains an attractive, competitive market for animal health innovation and investment.
“Animal health underpins Australia’s food security, biosecurity, animal welfare and public health, A relatively modest investment now will deliver long-term economic, environmental and social returns for all Australians.” Mr. Stapley said.
Key measures include increasing data protection periods for new veterinary medicines and extending patent term extensions to align with provisions already available for human medicines.
“These reforms will give companies confidence to invest in Australia and bring innovative products to market sooner, providing veterinarians and farmers with the benefits that come from faster access to new and improved animal health solutions.” Mr. Stapley said.
Animal Medicines Australia encourages all Australians to recognise and celebrate the veterinary professionals whose dedication, skill and teamwork help keep animals healthy and ensure Australia’s food remains safe, nutritious and secure.
