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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.
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UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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Annual rabies vaccination waiver
Waivers of rabies vaccination should only be issued with approval from the appropriate public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed…
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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
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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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Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs that can affect humans and is therefore a One Health issue.
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Comparative medicine and translational research
Comparative medicine studies the similarities and differences in biology among animals to enhance the understanding of mechanisms of human and animal…
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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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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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Disinfectants for foreign and emerging animal diseases
The AVMA strongly advocates for and supports maintaining U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exemptions for the use of disinfectants against foreign…
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Dog bite prevention
Veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. View AVMA’s policy on dog bite…
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Emotional support animals
The AVMA encourages housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act or similar laws to ensure they understand and are fully compliant with their…
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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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UNDER REVIEWForeign animal disease laboratory
The AVMA actively seeks continued adequate congressional funding for the upgrading, maintenance, operation, or rebuilding of the United States'…
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Free-roaming, owned cats
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate clients and the public about the risks associated with allowing cats free-roam access to the outdoors.
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Guidelines for use of autogenous biologics
Autogenous biological products may provide veterinarians a unique opportunity for control of certain infectious diseases when USDA-licensed commercial…
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UNDER REVIEWHorse tripping
The AVMA opposes tripping, injuring or causing the death of horses, mules and donkeys for any entertainment purpose or during training for any…
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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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National surveillance for zoonotic infectious diseases
The AVMA recognizes the importance of and supports the need for national surveillance for zoonotic diseases of public health importance in animals and…
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Ownership and/or possession and appropriate disposition of wild and exotic pet species or their hybrids
The AVMA is concerned with animal welfare, husbandry, infectious diseases, public health and safety, and environmental impacts associated with…
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Physical restraint of animals
Humane and safe handling may include using manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal's normal voluntary movement for the purposes…
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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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UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
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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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Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…