JAVMA news
Working together to fight emerging diseases
Working together to fight emerging diseases New director general of Office International des Epizooties stresses cooperation
JAVMA news
Euthanatized animals can poison wildlife: Veterinarians receive fines
In 1999, a veterinarian and a rancher in Colorado were dismayed to find that they had accidentally killed five golden eagles and two bald eagles.
JAVMA news
International swine experts discuss health, management, consumer issues at congress
The 17th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress was held June 2-5 in Ames, Iowa.
JAVMA news
New companion animal tumor registry in the works
Cornell University researchers are setting up a companion animal registry to measure cancer incidence
JAVMA news
More animal health, welfare standards go global
Animal welfare, avian influenza, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy were key discussion topics at the 73rd Annual General Session of the…
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
Rinderpest eradicated
Global animal health authorities are celebrating the worldwide eradication of the "cattle plague." Rinderpest was responsible for the deaths of…
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimals used in entertainment, shows, and for exhibition
The AVMA supports the humane and ethical use of animals in spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures, and television in accordance with…
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
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
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…
policy
Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
policy
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.
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
Joint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on the roles of veterinarians in promoting animal welfare
The AVMA, FVE, and CVMA recognize that sentient animals are capable of experiencing positive physical and emotional states (or feelings), including…
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
Electroimmobilization of non-fish species
The AVMA does not support the use of electroimmobilization for animal restraint.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
policy
Tail docking of cattle
The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates it provides no benefit to the animal, and it may cause…
policy
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.
policy
UNDER REVIEWUse of electro-muscular disruption devices (EMDDs) on animals
Understand the AVMA's position on the use of electro-muscular disruption devices such as stun guns on animals.
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
policy
Use of random-source dogs and cats for research, testing, and education
The AVMA believes there is justification for prudent and humane use of random-source dogs and cats in research, testing, and education, under specific…
policy
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…
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.