The National Velvet Accreditation Scheme (NVAS) is a national deer program
allowing the farmer to velvet their own animals. The Scheme has been
developed from the state-based programs of WA, Victoria and SA, with the
approval of the Veterinary Surgeons' Board and welfare organizations in each
state - and the Australian Veterinary Association.
The Scheme and its' objectives are closely scrutinized by a group of
veterinarians very familiar with the deer farming industry in
Australia, with the overall aim being to produce a training program
that is consistent and acceptable in all states. In
particular there is a clear need to ensure that both the training
program itself, which includes the examination/accreditation process
and the details it contains of permissible drug usage and animal
issues are consistent across the country.
It is accepted that there may be slight variations in the mechanics
by which the Scheme is administered in some states, depending on
the opinions and attitudes of Veterinary Surgeons' Boards. All
Boards have expressed their support for such an accreditation
process with some variation in how they will oversee the way in
which drugs are prescribed. For example, in NSW the Board has
decided to accredit deer farmers itself on successful completion of
a training program. The removal of velvet antler is considered
to be an act of veterinary surgery in all states. Anyone who
is not a veterinary surgeon OR an accredited person would be
committing an offence under the various Veterinary Surgeons' Acts if
they harvest velvet antler from a live deer.
Velveting of stags can be performed by an accredited person provided
it is done under at least indirect veterinary supervision. To
be in possession of the drugs permitted under the Scheme without the
prescription of a veterinarian is an offence in all states, but in
NSW such possession is restricted to deer farmers who have
successfully completed the NVAS accreditation course and are
registered with the Veterinary Surgeons' Board.
Every accredited deer farmer is required to have a supervising
veterinarian.
Source:
Dr A W English
Camden 5 September 1995
NVAS Course Notes
