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UNDER REVIEWWildlife-livestock interactions
The AVMA supports use of science-based evidence and peer-reviewed research to direct wildlife-livestock management policies, and funding to research…
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Veterinary diagnostic laboratory funding
The AVMA encourages ongoing funding and support to develop and maintain monitoring, surveillance, and surge capacity within the Integrated Consortium…
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Training in foreign and emerging animal diseases
Veterinarians must be adequately prepared to recognize foreign animal diseases, emerging or reemerging diseases, or animal disease resulting from an…
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Tail alteration in horses
The AVMA endorses this American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) policy on Tail Alteration in Horses.
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Swine castration
The AVMA recommends using swine castration procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible…
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Surgical procedures for nonveterinary students
AVMA does not advocate for the instruction of nonveterinary students in surgical procedures.
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Surgery or procedures performed on show animals
The AVMA recommends that procedures to correct injury or deformity for an animal’s welfare not be grounds to disqualify the animal from conformation…
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Restriction of veterinary biologics to veterinarians' use
The AVMA supports USDA efforts to restrict all veterinary biologics used in disease control programs, those with high incidence of reactions, and…
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Reportable disease list
The AVMA supports the development and implementation of a national list of reportable animal diseases.
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Rabies
Rabies is almost invariably fatal for animals and humans. Vaccination of animals is a critical step in preventing infection and protecting public…
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Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…
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National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) funding
The AVMA advocates for funding to develop and maintain infrastructure for a comprehensive National Animal Health Laboratory Network so that the U.S.…
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UNDER REVIEWJohne's disease
Johne's is a disease of significant economic importance to cattle and small ruminants.
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Foot and mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of worldwide concern. View AVMA's recommendations for FMD preparedness and…
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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Development of emerging disease agent biologics
Development of emerging infectious disease biologics is essential for One Health. The AVMA supports the development of these products through…
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Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings
The AVMA endorses the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' 2017 Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with…
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Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
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Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
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Animal disease control program supervision
All animal disease control and eradication programs should be under the direction and supervision of veterinarians.