Formal title:
American Medical Association Resolution 519, titled "Global Tracking System of Zoonotic Diseases"
Action:
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommended an amendment to American Medical Association (AMA) resolution 519.
Brief Description:
At its June 13, 2010 House of Delegates meeting, the AMA recently considered Resolution 519, titled "Global Tracking System of Zoonotic Diseases." This resolution proposed that the AMA work with the federal government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take the lead to establish a global surveillance system. The Resolution indicated that AMA's lead would allow better collaboration of human and animal health sectors, thereby enhancing collaboration of human and animal sectors and resulting in improved early detection and responses.
AVMA Response:
The AVMA was made aware of the resolution prior to its presentation to the AMA House of Delegates. A letter was written to the AMA to urge inclusion of an amendment (Attachment A) to Resolution 519, titled "Global Tracking System of Zoonotic Diseases," which would name the AVMA as an equal partner in the development and implementation of a centralized, comprehensive zoonotic disease surveillance system.
As the nation's premier animal health experts and as champions of the One Health Concept, the AVMA would welcome the opportunity to work as an equal partner with the AMA in the development and implementation of a centralized, comprehensive zoonotic disease surveillance system.
The AVMA appreciates the opportunity to comment on the AMA's resolution, and it looks forward to future collaboration between human medical and veterinary medical professions.
The AMA House of Delegates incorporated and approved suggested revisions by the AVMA in the final version of resolution 519.
AMA Document:
The American Medical Association Resolution 519 (PDF)
Full AVMA Response:
The AVMA responded on June 2, 2010 (PDF)
Attachment A - AVMA Amendment to Resolution 519 (PDF)