JAVMA news
AASV removes “gestation” term from housing policy
The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has removed a statement on gestation stalls from its policy on sow housing, but
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
Measuring and applying welfare
Dr. Sarah Probst Miller teaches farm employees how to improve their interactions with pigs, and says that her teaching philosophy is guided by the…
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…
JAVMA news
The stall in sow housing
The issue of whether it is humane to house pregnant sows in gestation stalls, has become one of the most contentious issues
National Pet Week®
National Pet Week® honors the pets in our lives and promotes responsible pet ownership. Join us to celebrate pets and help give them the best lives…
policy
Livestock handling tools
Mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly and should be secondary to good facility design and understanding the specific…
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…
policy
Swine castration
The AVMA recommends using swine castration procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain, including the use of approved or AMDUCA-permissible…
JAVMA news
Devocalization as a final alternative
AVMA Delegates pass resolutions on devocalization, VCPR, livestock handling
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
Straw, hay required for pigs under new UK welfare regulations
New animal welfare regulations adopted in the United Kingdom require farmers to provide pigs with permanent access
JAVMA news
Swine policy revised to recognize immunocastration
The AVMA policy concerning swine castration has been revised to acknowledge that immunocastration may be a viable alternative to surgical castration.
JAVMA news
Speakers tackle controversy surrounding swine welfare assessments
Veterinary assessments and monitoring can be important tools for improving the welfare of swine.
JAVMA news
Pregnant sow housing, cat declawing on HOD agenda
The AVMA Executive Board voted to send four policies to the AVMA House of Delegates for it to consider at its upcoming annual session
JAVMA news
Advocates’ video targets farm of pork producers’ president
An advocacy organization says its secretly recorded video shows abuse on a Minnesota hog farm owned in part by the current
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
Agreement reached on sow housing
The AVMA will advocate giving pregnant sows room to move and housing them in ways that reduce stress.
JAVMA news
Retailers tell suppliers to end sow stall use
McDonald's, Compass Group, Wendy's, Burger King, Safeway, Kroger, Cracker Barrel, and Sonic have announced since February plans to gradually…
JAVMA news
House considers proposals on ethics, gestation stalls, governance
The AVMA House of Delegates will consider a revised version of the AVMA’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, a resolution against sow gestation…
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
AVMA issues guidance on humane slaughter
The AVMA will soon release the second in a three-part series of recommendations for killing animals humanely.
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…
Social media for National Pet Week
National Pet Week® offers an opportunity for veterinarians to promote responsible pet ownership and honor the pets in our lives with the help of AVMA…
JAVMA news
Pressure from above
Animal welfare is improving as buyers pressure suppliers to meet standards and to participate in audit and education programs.