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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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Animal health information standards (Informatics)
The AVMA supports standardized health information systems that contribute to interoperability, One Health information exchange, research, and other…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
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Animal agriculture manure management
The AVMA supports appropriate efforts and actions to prevent negative environmental impacts from wastes generated by terrestrial or aquatic animal…
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UNDER REVIEWAppropriate animal carcass disposal
The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality…
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AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal…
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UNDER REVIEWBest management practices for pharmaceutical disposal
Pharmaceutical disposal is an important and complex issue. See best practices for veterinarians and veterinary teams.
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Compendium of veterinary standard precautions for zoonotic disease prevention in veterinary personnel
The AVMA endorses the Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel developed by the National…
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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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Donkey skin trade
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the donkey skin trade.
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Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…
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UNDER REVIEWEnvironmental responsibility is a One Health issue
The AVMA supports environmental responsibility, including these specific measures.
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Guidelines for use of exempt biologics
State-licensed veterinarians may consider preparing biologics in their practice facility under a VCPR in unique disease situations not adequately…
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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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Inappropriate requests for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers
The AVMA strongly opposes the use of DEA registration numbers for any purpose other than the one for which it was intended: to provide certification…
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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the role of veterinarians in advancing One Health—A global public good
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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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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Notification to the veterinarian of violative residues in foods of animal origin
Veterinarians have an essential role in preventing such violations and ensuring the appropriate and judicious use of pharmaceuticals on food animal…
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Practice of soring
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' position on the practice of soring.
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Principles of veterinary data ownership and stewardship
THE AVMA supports these principles for ownership and stewardship of veterinary data.
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UNDER REVIEWShipment of diagnostic specimens
Veterinarians are urged to review methods of preparing diagnostic specimens with support staff and work with the diagnostic laboratory to ensure they…
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Telemedicine
AVMA is committed to ensuring access to the convenience and benefits afforded by telemedicine, while promoting the responsible provision of…
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The veterinary profession's role in addressing the opioid epidemic
AVMA strongly recommends that veterinarians, legislators, state veterinary medical boards, and state pharmacy boards work together to create practical…
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Use of action devices and performance packages for Tennessee Walking Horses
The AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners support a ban on the use of action devices and performance packages in the training and…
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Zoonotic disease education
The AVMA supports zoonotic disease education programs for physicians, allied health professionals, veterinarians, and other animal care professionals…