AVMA news
Policies on physical restraint of animals, canine devocalization approved
The AVMA House of Delegates adopted a handful of revised animal welfare policies, including one on “Canine Devocalization” that supersedes the…
policy
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…
AVMA news
AVMA leaders to discuss environmental sustainability, spectrum of care
Meeting this July in Denver, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will consider new and revised policy proposals dealing with wolf hybrids, tail docking,…
JAVMA news
Board acts to remove hurdles to AVMA membership
The AVMA Executive Board met Aug. 27-28 to take up an agenda dealing with such issues as AVMA membership requirements, livestock traceability and…
JAVMA news
AVMA warns of risks in lamb tail docking
Docking lambs’ tails can help save their lives, but cutting tails too short also can hurt the animals.
policy
Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
policy
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…
Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee
The Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee advises on and develops animal agriculture policy and recommendations for submission to the AVMA Board of…
Advocating for rural veterinary care
AVMA is a leading supporter of federal legislation and policies to improve rural America's access to livestock and public health veterinarians by…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
policy
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.
policy
Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
policy
Animal agriculture manure management
The AVMA supports appropriate efforts and actions to prevent negative environmental impacts from wastes generated by terrestrial or aquatic animal…
policy
Emotional support animals
The AVMA encourages housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act or similar laws to ensure they understand and are fully compliant with their…
policy
The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
policy
Livestock handling tools
Mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly and should be secondary to good facility design and understanding the specific…
policy
Aminoglycoside use in cattle and small ruminants
The AVMA does not support extralabel use of aminoglycosides in cattle or small ruminants due to the substantial risk for violative residues in food…
policy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
policy
Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
policy
Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
policy
Microchip identification of companion animals and equids
The AVMA endorses the implantation of electronic identification in companion animals and equids and supports standardization in materials, procedures,…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
policy
UNDER REVIEWJohne's disease
Johne's is a disease of significant economic importance to cattle and small ruminants.
policy
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…
Antimicrobial use in veterinary practice
Find antimicrobial guidance by species, and resources to help communicate the importance of judicious antimicrobial use to clients and your community.