Use of technology in veterinary medicine
The AVMA affirms and encourages the responsible and ethical development and use of technology for a variety of applications in veterinary medicine, that can benefit and protect public health, animal health and welfare, and environmental health. Examples include:
- Enhancing host resistance to infectious diseases
- Developing new or improved biologics and therapeutic agents
- Developing innovative, useful (sensitive, specific, and robust) diagnostic and surveillance modalities
- Harmonizing international research, development, production, licensure/approval, and use of safe and effective veterinary biologics, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, delivery systems and other therapeutic products used in animal health
- Relieving or limiting genetic-based diseases
- Advancing veterinary medicine and enhancing the health and well-being of animals and the human-animal bond
- Increasing the efficiency of food and fiber production
- Improving the utility, nutritional value, affordability, and safety of human food and animal feeds
- Promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices
The creation of new technologies through research and the practical application of that knowledge is a valuable adjunct to veterinary medicine. Therefore, the development of these technologies should not be impeded so long as they do not negatively impact health, safety, or welfare of humans, animals, or the environment. The AVMA supports a science-based regulatory policy for the approval of technologies developed through research and innovation. Current regulations include the evaluation of technologies by the USDA, FDA, EPA, US Fish and Wildlife Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or other relevant authorities before they can be marketed for the intended uses; future evaluations should continue to be scientifically based with meaningful risk assessments.