Animal Medicines Australia

19/03/2026

Today is World Parasite Awareness Day. Parasites are one of the most common health threats to pets worldwide, yet they often go unnoticed until serious harm is done.

Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause pain, illness, and even death. And some parasites don’t stop at pets…they can spread to people, putting entire households at risk!

The good news is that prevention works. Pet owners play an important role in keeping their animals protected by working closely with their veterinarian to ensure appropriate and effective parasite control. By preventing parasites in pets, we not only protect animal health but also help safeguard the people and communities around them.

That’s the message behind the Prevention Pledge for World , and it’s why we’ve signed it.

http://www.parasiteawarenessday.com

17/03/2026

People may not think much about parasites until their pet is affected. But fleas, ticks, and worms are far more common than many of us realise, and they can cause real harm.

In Australia, pets can become seriously unwell or even die if bitten by a paralysis tick.

The good news: prevention works and parasites can be stopped before they harm pets and pet owners.

Animal Medicines Australia signed the Prevention Pledge for World Parasite Awareness Day because we believe every animal deserves protection, and because protecting animals within our care helps protect us all.

AMA’s website has further information on parasite control: https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/parasite-control/

10/03/2026

AMA have joined organisations from around the world in marking World on 20th March. 📅

As a signatory of the 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲, we’re committed to parasite prevention as a cornerstone of pet care. Fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites can cause discomfort, serious illness, and in some cases life-threatening disease. Some parasites can also spread to people, putting entire households at risk.

This is why it’s so important that pet owners have a plan and the right tools to help prevent parasites before they can harm their pet.

📝 We encourage others to join us in supporting the 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 at https://www.parasiteawarenessday.com/

For further information on parasite control for your pets, visit our website:
https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/parasite-control/

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 is an integral part of feline and canine preventative care. Parasites are a common risk to pets and can cause a range of ailments. Internal parasites such as heartworm can be life-threatening, while external parasites such as fleas and ticks (including paralysis ticks) can transmit harmful, sometimes deadly, disease.

The goal of parasite control is to help ensure pets are free from harmful parasites, while both the people and animals around them are protected.

The 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 provides guidance on steps pet owners can take to protect their pets from parasites while at home or during a clinical visit, alongside factors that can be considered when deciding on the right forms of parasite control.

Prevention of parasites should be a lifelong consideration. Animals in at-risk areas or traveling to regions where parasites are present can benefit from preventative care. Pet owners should discuss the right approach with their vet.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

For further information, visit AMA’s website:
https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/resources/principles-of-wellness-2

15/02/2026

𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is one of the most common and foundational forms of preventative care for our pets.

Vaccines protect animals against many serious illnesses and widespread use can even help eliminate some diseases by providing herd immunity. Furthermore, with some diseases affecting both pets and people, vaccinating our pets helps safeguard caregivers and the public. The goal of vaccination is to ensure pets are protected against diseases that can lead to serious harm, including death. In Australia, some of the core pet vaccines include:

𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁:

• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV),
• Canine Adenovirus type 1 (CAV),
• Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV).

𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁:

• Feline Herpesvirus – Causes respiratory illness.
• Feline Calicivirus – A respiratory disease agent.
• Panleukopenia – A life-threatening virus affecting cats of all ages.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, please consult your veterinarian for professional advice.

For further information, visit AMA’s website:
https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/resources/principles-of-wellness-2

24/12/2025

As we gather for the festive season, it’s important to take a moment to acknowledge the many people who continue caring for animals every single day, even on Christmas.

To the veterinarians, vet nurses, farmers, animal health professionals, wildlife carers, and everyone who works tirelessly to keep Australia’s livestock, wildlife and 31 million pets healthy and safe - thank you.️

Your dedication ensures the wellbeing of animals and supports the communities and industries that depend on them.

From all of us at Animal Medicines Australia, we thank you for your commitment and wish you a safe and happy holiday season. 🎄👩‍⚕️🐮🐶🐱👨‍⚕️

24/12/2025

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, don’t forget to include your four-legged (and other) family members too. Our pets bring us joy all year round, and Christmas should be no different.

AMA’s latest Pets in Australia report shows that one in five pet owners give their pets human food and leftovers, but many may be unaware that some of our favourite festive treats can be dangerous for our furry companions. Avoid treats like chocolate, cooked bones, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes, onions, garlic and raisins, which can be toxic to animals.

Some other risks to consider during the festive season include:
🎁 Keeping decorations, tinsel, and ribbons out of reach of curious paws and mouths,
☀️ Making sure they have a quiet space to relax away from the excitement,
🚗 Planning ahead if you’re travelling – ensure your pet is safely restrained and has access to water and shade,
💉 Keeping up with regular medications, parasite prevention, and vaccinations so your pet stays happy and healthy through the holidays, and;
🚨👩‍⚕️‍ In case of emergency, know where your after-hours or emergency vet is.

This Christmas, take a moment to show your pets a little extra love by taking these steps. After all, they’re family too.

Find out more about Australia’s pets and pet owners in AMA’s Pets in Australia report. https://shorturl.at/7KQWA

18/12/2025

As families across Australia gear up for the holidays, it’s important to remember that tick season is well underway, and our pets rely on us to keep them safe.

Paralysis ticks can cause life-threatening illness in dogs and cats, even with just one bite, while brown dog ticks (ehrlichiosis), a potentially fatal tick-borne disease that is proving remarkably adaptable to Australian conditions, is one of the most significant emerging threats to dogs in Australia. The disease occurs in the northern regions of Western Australia and South Australia, all of the Northern Territory and north-western Queensland.

🚗People travelling with their dogs into areas where paralysis ticks and brown dog ticks are present need to be aware of these parasites and know how to protect their dog.

This summer, make tick prevention part of your holiday plan:

✔️ Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives / parasiticides to protect your dog
✔️ Check your pets daily – pay attention to the head and neck, inside their ears, on their chest, between their toes and around their mouths and gums
✔️ Keep yards tidy and avoid long grass where ticks thrive
✔️ Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or unusual behaviour and seek advice from the relevant state veterinary authority before moving potentially infected dogs to other parts of Australia
✔️ Ensure you know where the local emergency vet / after-hours veterinary clinic is

The DAFF website has information on travelling with your dog in Australia - https://shorturl.at/9WBOS

For further information or FAQs on parasite control, visit AMA’s website: Parasite Control - https://shorturl.at/eqw6l

08/12/2025

Today, we join the global community in celebrating International Day of Veterinary Medicine - a day where we recognise the remarkable contribution veterinary medicines make to the health and wellbeing of animals, and in turn people, and our shared environment.

Veterinary medicines are essential tools used by veterinary professionals to keep the nation’s 31.6 million pets and livestock healthy, maintain biosecurity, and protect wildlife. These products underpin good animal health and welfare, forming a critical part of a One Health approach for human and animal health within a shared healthy environment.

AMA members supply approximately 80 per cent of the veterinary medicines used in Australia, improving animal health and welfare and supporting Australia’s $31.4 billion livestock industry with the tools needed for preparedness and rapid response.

In any biosecurity emergency, veterinary medicines, including vaccines, are essential to managing risk and limiting the spread of disease.

AMA members remain committed to supporting Australia’s veterinary professionals through ongoing innovation and by ensuring access to safe, effective and science-based animal health products. These products provide veterinarians with the tools needed to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, contributing to a healthier future for all animals.

📄 Read AMA's Media Release: https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/news-and-media/supporting-animal-health-protecting-australia-ama-marks-international-day-of-veterinary-medicine/

07/11/2025

Today is International Human-Animal Bond Day.

This is a day to celebrate the special bond we share with animals - a connection that brings joy, relaxation, companionship and enriches our lives in countless ways.

Animal Medicines Australia’s latest Pets in Australia report shows 73% of Australian households now have one or more pets - that’s around 31.6 million animals. 86% of pet owners say their pet has a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing😺😊.

Animal Medicines Australia members play a vital role in supporting this bond by providing the products that keep our animals healthy and happy every day.

To ensure every Australian has the opportunity to embrace and access the benefits from pet ownership, we’re calling for a nationally consistent companion animal policy - one that supports our pets, their owners, and the communities they live in.

Find out more 👇

🔍 Find out more about how Australia feels about their pets in AMA’s latest Pets in Australia report: Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people 2025:
https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/resources/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-3/

📄 AMA’s Companion Animal Policy: Policy Priorities:
https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/policy-priorities/