JAVMA news
Getting beyond surgical contraception
Surgical sterilization has long been considered the gold standard for managing dog and cat populations in the United States.
JAVMA news
Board revises guidelines for spay/neuter clinics
The AVMA Executive Board approved renaming and revising the "Guidelines for Veterinarians Participating in Spay/Neuter
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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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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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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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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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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.
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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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Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials
The AVMA, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association have jointly adopted this policy on responsible and…
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Management of mares used in the pregnant mare urine (PMU) collection industry
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' position statement on Management of Mares Used in the Pregnant Mare Urine…
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Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
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UNDER REVIEWJudicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials in aquatic animal medicine
Aquatic animal veterinarians should use all therapeutants, including antimicrobials, judiciously to restore aquatic animal health, ensure continued…
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American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) judicious use of antimicrobials guidelines
The AVMA has endorsed these antimicrobial stewardship guidelines developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
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Vaccination principles
Vaccines have been proven highly efficacious and beneficial to the health of veterinary patients, as well as the general public. Decisions about…
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Role of the veterinary profession in national, state, and local emergencies
The AVMA recommends that emergency management organizations include veterinarians in the planning process and response operations.
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UNDER REVIEWWildlife-livestock interactions
The AVMA supports use of science-based evidence and peer-reviewed research to direct wildlife-livestock management policies, and funding to research…
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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…
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Therapeutic medications in racehorses
Health care decisions for individual horses are the responsibility of the veterinarian, trainer, and owner and must have the best interests of the…
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UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
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Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
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UNDER REVIEWUse of 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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Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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Tail docking and teeth clipping of swine
The AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain associated with tail docking and teeth clipping of pigs. This…
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UNDER REVIEWPregnant sow housing
Pregnant sows are kept in a variety of housing systems. View the AVMA's recommendations for sow housing and management systems.
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Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.