AVMA Supports USDA Investigation into Alleged Misuse of Veterinary Licenses Schaumburg, Ill. — While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is disheartened by the initial report of alleged abuse of veterinary licenses within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) laboratories located in Ames, Iowa, it applauds the transparent and thorough nature of the current investigation.
"Although it is disappointing to hear of any potential abuse of veterinary medical licenses and the public trust, we applaud Secretary Vilsack, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on their thorough and rapid action to investigate alleged improper conduct," said AVMA's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ron DeHaven, DVM.
"All veterinarians are expected to adhere to a strict professional code of veterinary medical ethics. We are confident that Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and APHIS leadership will ensure that the vital work of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories will continue uninterrupted and that any impropriety will be dealt with appropriately."
DeHaven expressed his confidence in the quality of the work performed at both the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics and cautioned others not to doubt the integrity and reputation of those laboratories nor the many employees there whose hard work and dedication have helped establish the United States as a world leader in animal health.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
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