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…
AVMA news
USDA finalizes standards to include birds under Animal Welfare Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing welfare standards for birds, which were previously…
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
Standards taking shape for health, welfare of fish
The welfare of fish could soon be subject to regulations—or at least guidelines—similar to standards for the welfare of other animals.
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
Multi-institutional study dives deep into cetacean welfare
Some bottlenose dolphins are wearing superhero capes at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
AVMA news
Welfare concerns for wild birds, from confiscation to relinquishment
Drs. Patricia J. Latas and Anthony A. Pilny presented sessions on July 15 at AVMA Convention 2023 in Denver about the consequences of wildlife…
JAVMA news
Supporting real assistance animals
Is that cockatoo riding a man's shoulder in the produce section really an emotional support animal?
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
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
USDA awards $11M for agricultural animal studies
Federal grants will fund studies on ways to enhance reproduction in agricultural animals and improve the lives of those animals.
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…
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
UNDER REVIEWBreeding/Transportation bans
The AVMA opposes blanket prohibitions on the breeding and transportation of animals in zoos and aquaria that may have negative consequences for the…
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…