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Principles of veterinary medical ethics of the AVMA
All veterinarians are expected to adhere to a progressive code of ethical conduct known as the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME).
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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended. The AVMA supports the enforcement of laws against the use…
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AVMA animal welfare principles
The AVMA, as a medical authority for the health and welfare of animals, offers the following eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating…
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Castration and dehorning of cattle
The AVMA recognizes that castration and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety when cattle are used for agricultural purposes. …
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Contingency planning for animal emergencies
The American Veterinary Medical Association urges all appropriate agencies and stakeholders to develop, implement, and maintain contingency plans
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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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Dog bite prevention
All veterinarians have a professional and ethical obligation to address the issue of dog bites in the United States. Veterinarians are obligated to be…
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Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes ear cropping and tail docking of dogs when done solely for cosmetic purposes.
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Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint. Literature Reviews: Welfare Implications of…
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Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to the euthanasia of unwanted animals or those unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel, using appropriate…
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Processes for microbial reduction in food
The AVMA supports microbial reduction processes, such as pasteurization, irradiation, and hyperbaric treatment to improve food safety, food quality,…
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Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
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National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)
The AVMA recognizes the importance of NARMS as a valuable resource for information on resistance monitoring of bacterial isolates from animals, animal…
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Surgical procedures by nonveterinary students
AVMA does not advocate for the instruction of NONVETERINARY students in surgical procedures.
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Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional, unmodified steel jawed leghold traps. Legitimate science and management practices that necessitate the…
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Tuberculosis eradication in cattle and cervids
The AVMA encourages the USDA to continue to partner with state animal health officials, federal and state animal public health officials, the cattle…
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Use of animals in precollege education
The AVMA encourages the use of alternatives to live animals for precollege classroom instruction. While the AVMA recognizes that exposure to animals…
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Zoonotic disease education
The AVMA strongly supports zoonotic disease education programs targeted to physicians, allied health professionals, veterinarians, and other
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AVMA guidelines for veterinarians working with animal control and animal welfare organizations
Statement of Position - Veterinarians, animal control agencies, and animal welfare organizations have a common bond in the
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Use of action devices and performance packages for Tennessee Walking Horses
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners support a ban on the use of action devices and…
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Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets
The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens…
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Removal or reduction of teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores
The AVMA is opposed to removal or reduction of healthy teeth in nonhuman primates and carnivores, except when required for medical treatment or…
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Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs, which can result in reproductive failure, diskospondylitis, or uveitis.
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Codex Alimentarius Commission
The AVMA will promote the inclusion of an AVMA representative to the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
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Handling of companion animal remains
An owner’s attachment to an animal extends beyond death. Sensitive handling of animal remains is important.