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…
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
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…
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
Diseases, outreach top issues for AASV president
Dr. Michelle L. Sprague said two viral diseases deadly to pigs and animal welfare debates are the top challenges for swine veterinarians.
JAVMA news
AVMA honors 3 with awards during National Pet Week
The AVMA has announced the 2020 recipients of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award, AVMA Animal Welfare Award, and AVMA Humane…
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.
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.
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…
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
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
Devocalization as a final alternative
AVMA Delegates pass resolutions on devocalization, VCPR, livestock handling
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
Modified pigs better at enduring cold, according to study
Researchers in China used gene editing to create pigs that are better at maintaining body temperatures early in life and leaner as adults.
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
AVMA news
U.S. Supreme Court hears challenge to sow housing law
U.S. Supreme Court justices will decide the fate of a controversial California law banning sales of out-of-state pork products from producers who fail…
AVMA news
Supreme Court upholds California sow housing law
A slim majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices upheld the California ballot initiative Proposition 12 as constitutional, and that the state could…