JAVMA news
Swine policy revised to recognize immunocastration
The AVMA policy concerning swine castration has been revised to acknowledge that immunocastration may be a viable alternative to surgical castration.
JAVMA news
Transport policy for hoofstock approved
The AVMA Executive Board approved a new policy, “Transport, Sale Yard Practices, and Humane Slaughter of Hoofstock and Poultry,”
JAVMA news
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.
JAVMA news
Fighting to feed the world
Dr. Matthew S. Anderson said veterinarians in swine medicine are increasingly needed as advocates who can speak for their patients and their clients.
JAVMA news
Roles change, purpose remains the same
Dr. Craig J. Rowles said veterinarians who work with swine can benefit by taking time to note that the purpose of their work—serving their
JAVMA news
Devocalization as a final alternative
AVMA Delegates pass resolutions on devocalization, VCPR, livestock handling
JAVMA news
AASV removes “gestation” term from housing policy
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has removed a statement on gestation stalls from its policy on sow housing, but
JAVMA news
Flood of pork buyers want sow housing changes
Increased interest in farm practices by the public and corporate executives could be connected with dozens of companies’ pledges to eliminate…
JAVMA news
Sow housing statements
From February through June, at least eight companies announced plans to eventually buy only pork produced without use of gestation
JAVMA news
Retailers tell suppliers to end sow stall use
McDonald's, Compass Group, Wendy's, Burger King, Safeway, Kroger, Cracker Barrel, and Sonic have announced since February plans to gradually…
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
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…
policy
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWNonhuman primates as assistance animals
The AVMA does not support the use of nonhuman primates as assistance animals because of animal welfare concerns, the potential for serious injury, and…
JAVMA news
AASV president sees educational opportunities, challenges
Dr. Tara S. Donovan said the American Association of Swine Veterinarians can help retailers and the public understand complex subjects such as animal…
JAVMA news
Supreme Court strikes down Calif. slaughter rules
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in January that the state of California cannot prohibit the slaughter of pigs that become
JAVMA news
Measuring and applying welfare
Dr. Sarah Probst Miller teaches farm employees how to improve their interactions with pigs, and says that her teaching philosophy is guided by the…
JAVMA news
AVMA, swine veterinarians respond to video of pig abuse
A video showing the abuse of pigs on an Iowa farm brought a swift response from the AVMA and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians,
JAVMA news
AASV president leads attack on deadly disease
Dr. Scott Dee wants to help wipe a disease from the face of the continent.
JAVMA news
Veterinarians continue discussing swine welfare
AASV annual meeting also addressesissue of antimicrobial usage
JAVMA news
Gillespie to lead AASV as president
Dr. Tom Gillespie, president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, says the biggest challenge facing the swine industry is animal…
JAVMA news
The stall in sow housing
The issue of whether it is humane to house pregnant sows in gestation stalls, has become one of the most contentious issues
JAVMA news
Speakers tackle controversy surrounding swine welfare assessments
Veterinary assessments and monitoring can be important tools for improving the welfare of swine.
JAVMA news
AVMA Answers
How is the AVMA addressing the controversy surrounding housing pregnant sows in gestation stalls? Dr.
JAVMA news
Straw, hay required for pigs under new UK welfare regulations
New animal welfare regulations adopted in the United Kingdom require farmers to provide pigs with permanent access