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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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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 REVIEWBreeding/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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Conservation of wildlife
The AVMA recognizes the vital role of wildlife in the human-animal-environment complex and that wildlife conservation is most effectively addressed…
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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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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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Extralabel use of medicated feeds, including veterinary feed directive drugs, for minor species
The AVMA supports regulatory discretion in enforcing extralabel use of medicated feeds in minor species under veterinary oversight.
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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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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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Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
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UNDER REVIEWRemoval of antlers (velveting)
If amputation of living, growing antlers of cervids is performed, it must be done humanely and within the bounds of a veterinarian-client-patient…
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Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
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Tuberculosis Eradication in Bovidae and Cervidae in the United States
The AVMA urges the USDA to continue partnering with public and private agencies and stakeholders to respond to, control, and eliminate tuberculosis in…
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UNDER REVIEWVeterinary involvement in marine mammal health and welfare
The AVMA encourages the use of appropriately experienced and qualified veterinarians to optimize the health and welfare of marine mammals.