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
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
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.
Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens affecting animal health
The AVMA has worked with experts to identify bacteria affecting multiple animal species for which there is evidence of antimicrobial resistance. The…
blog
Raising food animals without antibiotics: Is it sustainable?
AVMA's chief economist to examine the data Rising consumer interest in how food is produced has resulted in more farm animals being raised without…
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
European Union considers end to cages in animal agriculture
The European Union is considering a ban on use of animal cages and stalls in agriculture to produce food sold in EU countries, with a potential target…
blog
COVID-19: Resources for shelters, food animal veterinarians
Two new AVMA resources provide practical guidance for animal shelter personnel and food animal veterinarians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
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
Updated Ag Guide expands on pain management
The Ag Guide is a primary reference for agricultural animal care at research institutions, and recent updates strengthen calls for use of pain…
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
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
Organization certifies meat for one-health considerations
The One Health Certified program, administered by the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education, so far provides…
JAVMA news
Slaughter delays lead to depopulation
Companies destroyed thousands of swine and poultry in April as coronavirus outbreaks shuttered or slowed slaughter plants, and one producer warned…
Antibiotic use is changing. Talk to your veterinarian.
Talk to a veterinarian about responsible use of antibiotics in animals. Veterinary oversight helps preserve antimicrobial effectiveness in fighting…
blog
FDA requests label changes to combat antiparasitic resistance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked animal drug companies to voluntarily revise the labels of some livestock and horse dewormers to…
policy
Extralabel use of medicated feeds, including veterinary feed directive drugs, for minor species
The AVMA supports regulatory discretion in enforcing extralabel use of medicated feeds in minor species under veterinary oversight.
Antimicrobial use and resistance: FAQs for pet owners
AVMA's antimicrobial FAQs provide science-based information to help you make educated decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial…
blog
Push to address student debt, veterinary shortages is renewed
With sustained advocacy from the AVMA, Congress has reintroduced legislation that would help address student debt and rural veterinary shortages.
JAVMA news
Care requirements may increase in organic production
Organic livestock production rules proposed by the Department of Agriculture would increase care requirements, prohibit some amputative procedures,…