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Animals 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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Annual meeting of the voting members of the AVMA
The annual meeting of voting members of the AVMA occurs concurrently with the plenary session at the House of Delegates' winter meeting.
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Antimicrobial stewardship definition and core principles
These principles can be used to develop antimicrobial stewardship plans in any veterinary practice setting.
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Antiparasitic resistance
The AVMA strongly recommends that veterinarians in concert with clients use the most up-to-date guidelines, treatments, and evidence-based medicine…
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Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
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Aquatic ecosystems
The AVMA recognizes the pressing need to ensure the future health of aquatic animals and the ecosystems that support them. Veterinarians can and…
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Aquatic veterinary practice in U.S. waters outside state jurisdiction
Licensed, federally accredited veterinarians must be used in aquaculture systems within U.S. waters outside of state jurisdiction. Criteria for…
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Aquatic animal therapeutic agents
The AVMA recognizes the need for sufficient approved therapeutics to facilitate safe and effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of…
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UNDER REVIEWAssessment of new therapies for alleviation of pain in animals
Assessing the efficacy of analgesics used in veterinary clinical practice requires well-designed and appropriately controlled experimental clinical…
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AVMA's role in international activities
The AVMA will continue to strengthen its leadership role in international organizations relevant to the Association’s mission and vision.
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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Biosecurity
Preventing disease transmission through the practice of biosecurity is critical to protecting the health and welfare of all species.
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Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
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Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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Breeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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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 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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Canine hybrids
The AVMA strongly opposes keeping as pets any hybrids of wild canines crossbred with domestic animals. The AVMA believes that commercial traffic in…
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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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Certificates of veterinary inspection
AVMA affirms that veterinarians must be accredited by USDA APHIS in the state in which they practice to complete certificates of veterinary inspection…
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Climate change and related sustainability issues
The AVMA recognizes the significant health impacts arising from climate change, endorses the World Veterinary Association's position that climate…
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Clinical guidelines for antimicrobial use in veterinary practice
The AVMA supports the development, dissemination, and promotion of clinical guidelines as a resource to improve antimicrobial stewardship in…
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Codex Alimentarius Commission
AVMA will promote inclusion of an AVMA representative in the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and appropriate committees and task…
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Colleges/schools of veterinary medicine infrastructure funding for veterinary public practice
The AVMA supports federal and state funding to build infrastructure and provide ongoing support for faculty and programs to increase human resource…