Appropriately managed animal waste materials are valuable nutrient sources for sustainable agriculture systems. The AVMA supports the basic premises of current legislation and regulations, and recognizes that excessive wastes entering the environment from animal production operations are undesirable. Other land applications of nutrients and pesticides are not nearly as regulated as animal waste. Veterinarians, as trusted consultants, should be aware of the value, potential hazards and legal restrictions concerning animal waste.

Therefore the AVMA supports the following:

• Nutrients should be applied in a manner that facilitates the long-term sustainability of the environment.
• Education, outreach, and extension programs to assist producers in achieving these requirements. This includes aid in establishing and implementing nutrient management plans as well as design and construction of effective waste management facilities to prevent contamination of the environment.
• Research on animal waste management systems and procedures to improve environmental quality.
• Critical studies of the environmental impact of drugs, pathogens and naturally occurring chemicals from animal/human waste sources in the environment. A comparison of the relative impact of animal and human waste sources is needed to prioritize investment in control measures.