AVMA Releases Response to Pew Report

By Dr. Ashley Shelton, Assistant Director of the GRD

Last month, The AVMA released its response to the Final Report of the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production. Pew's widely publicized findings and recommendations are being used to advocate for the passage of H.R. 1549 and S. 619, the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA), which the AVMA does not support. Veterinarians are the only health professionals that routinely operate at the interface of human and animal health and are already limited in the tools available to protect human and animal health.

In reviewing the April 2008 Pew Report, the AVMA identified points addressing antimicrobial resistance, the environment and animal welfare as the most pertinent to veterinary medicine. While the Association believes there is value in some of the recommendations offered by the Pew Commission, the Commission's sub-points have significant shortfalls and lack in comprehensive idea development or in how the Commission would execute a new plan or program.

In addition, the AVMA contends that the Pew Commission's process for gaining technical expertise in the technical reports was biased and did not incorporate the findings and suggestions of a significant number of participating subject matter experts. Readers of the Pew Report should be cautioned that disparities were found within the report, potentially due to the lack of incorporation of differing interpretations and conclusions offered by subject matter experts. While the Pew Commission criticizes the AVMA for not being "consensus-oriented," our policies are developed based upon impartial, scientifically sound evidence, rather than the consensus of like-minded individuals.

The AVMA hopes that the response will offer thoughtful insight into what we, as veterinarians, assert are critical research and programmatic needs as next steps in promoting the optimal health and welfare of our nation's animals and people. We encourage you to read the full response and accompanying multimedia materials, including podcasts and a video, at www.avma.org/PEWresponse.

For more information, please contact Dr. Ashley Shelton.