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…
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,…
JAVMA news
AVMA issues guidance on humane slaughter
The AVMA will soon release the second in a three-part series of recommendations for killing animals humanely.
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…
blog
Farm bill delivers victory for veterinary medicine
The nation’s new farm bill creates critical programs to improve animal health and enhance the nation’s ability to prevent and respond to animal…
JAVMA news
Staying relevant in cattle care
The dean at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is particularly concerned that veterinarians have not generated data that…
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
Genetics and analgesics added to castration, dehorning policy
The AVMA Executive Board approved revisions to the AVMA policy on cattle castration and dehorning that account for genetic
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.
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
Devastating flu, ongoing harm
This past spring’s highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak was the largest animal health emergency in U.S. history
JAVMA news
Rinderpest eradicated
Global animal health authorities are celebrating the worldwide eradication of the "cattle plague." Rinderpest was responsible for the deaths of…
JAVMA news
Policy provides for tail docking of cattle under guidance via telemedicine
The AVMA has revised the policy "Tail Docking of Cattle" to provide for the procedure to be done under guidance of a veterinarian via telemedicine.
JAVMA news
Gaining weight
Pre-slaughter weights of livestock species have been increasing since at least the 1920s, and some of the largest gains have occurred in the past 25…
JAVMA news
Cattle drug’s sales suspended after lameness reports
A drug company suspended sales in the U.S. and Canada of a beta-adrenoceptor agonist used to add dozens of pounds of muscle to cattle.
JAVMA news
AABP calls for pain control during horn removal
Cattle should receive pain control drugs during and after horn or horn bud removal, according to the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
JAVMA news
Devocalization as a final alternative
AVMA Delegates pass resolutions on devocalization, VCPR, livestock handling
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…
JAVMA news
A bucking-bull veterinarian in the making
When Dr. Gary D. Warner asked his daughter Kelly why she wanted to be a large animal veterinarian over anything anything else, he wasn’t necessarily…
JAVMA news
AVMA deliberates on breed standards, devocalization
A resolution submitted to the House of Delegates calls for the AVMA to help develop healthier breed standards for purebred dogs and cats; another…
JAVMA news
AABP president: cattle veterinarians will outlast turmoil
Dr. Christine B. Navarre has worked in bovine medicine since she graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990,…
JAVMA news
Army Veterinary Corps gets new leader
Col. Steven Greiner will serve as the next chief of the Army Veterinary Corps.
JAVMA news
Slaughter guidelines enforcement called into question
The USDA and industry experts maintain that most of the 150 million head of livestock that are processed each year in inspected facilities are…
JAVMA news
Board acts on research, grievance resolution, residues
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting Nov. 20-22, 2014, approved a few new policies, rescinded some that were no longer, and reaffirmed or…