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…
blog
Animal welfare contest taps virtual opportunities
The annual AVMA Animal Welfare Assessment Contest is moving online this year. That’s good news for AVMA members interested in earning CE credits in…
AVMA news
Animal welfare contest puts students, veterinarians to the test
Participants evaluated the welfare of show chickens, cattle, shelter pets, and an octopus in an aquarium during the 22nd annual AVMA Animal Welfare…
blog
20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest announces winners
The 20th annual Animal Welfare Assessment Contest gave undergraduates, graduate students, veterinary students, AVMA member veterinarians, and members…
JAVMA news
Contest challenges students’ welfare knowledge
The Ohio State University hosted the 16th annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest this past November
JAVMA news
Welfare policies revised and adopted
The AVMA has revised several of its food animal welfare policies and adopted a policy concerning the use of electromuscular disruption devices (eg,…
JAVMA news
USDA cancels organic welfare rules
Federal agriculture authorities canceled pending rules that would have expanded animal welfare rules in organic production.
JAVMA news
Bird welfare positions modified
The Executive Board amended AVMA position statements on the practices of beak trimming
JAVMA news
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Editing Animals
Recent gene-editing technologies are being used to create mice that model human genetic diseases, Holstein cattle lacking horns, and current research…
JAVMA news
AHA certification covers nearly 1 billion farm animals
The number of animals living on farms certified by the American Humane Association Certified program quintupled in 14 months.
JAVMA news
Another ballot initiative increases housing size for farm animals
As consumers demand to know more about the origin of their foods, the trend toward less-restrictive housing for farm animals has accelerated in recent…
JAVMA news
3,000 birds seized in cockfighting raids
Police and animal welfare workers seized about 3,000 roosters and hens that prosecutors say were used for fighting or breeding fighting birds.
JAVMA news
AAAP president sees chance to advocate, collaborate
Dr. Hector Cervantes thinks poultry veterinarians can help people learn about their food and offer assurances on safety and animal welfare.
JAVMA news
Snapshots
Dr. M. Gatz Riddell (standing), executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and Dr. Tom Burkgren (left),
Comparison of cage and non-cage systems for housing laying hens
When looking at how different housing systems protect the welfare of laying hens, it's important to consider the various trade-offs inherent to every…
JAVMA news
HSUS: undercover video shows hen mistreatment
Two egg manufacturers and an industry organization began investigations after undercover video appeared to show Iowa hens that were crowded, injured,…
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…
JAVMA news
Groups want national henhousing law
An agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers will lead the groups to lobby for a federal law that
JAVMA news
Congress considers US egg production standards
United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States want Congress to approve new standards for U.S. egg producers.
blog
Veterinary research spotlighted on the Hill
On May 13, the AVMA hosted an educational briefing for Capitol Hill staff on recognizing and managing pain in farm animals.
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,…