policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
policy
The importance of veterinarians in food safety
The AVMA recommends that the USDA's Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service take three actions to enhance the recruiting and retention of…
policy
Safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically engineered (GE) food
The AVMA believes mandatory labeling of GMOs and GE foods or food products is not necessary.
policy
Education and training in food safety, security and defense for veterinary medical professional and paraprofessional students
The AVMA recommends that state and federal entities develop and expand training programs for veterinary students in the area of food safety,…
policy
Technologies for pathogen mitigation in food processing
The AVMA supports the use of pathogen reduction processes, such as pasteurization, irradiation, high pressure processing, and other science-based…
policy
Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
JAVMA news
A safety net for struggling pet owners
Many animal shelters and humane organizations offer programs to prevent pet relinquishment for individuals and families experiencing domestic…
Food supply veterinary medicine
Information on food supply veterinary medicine - why it's important, where FSVM veterinarians are compared to livestock, who’s involved, what’s the…
policy
Therapeutic pet food health claims
The FDA uses enforcement discretion in overseeing certain pet food claims. While many of these could legally be considered drugs, certain claims are…
policy
Marketing claims regarding agricultural animal food products
Understand when the AVMA believes a veterinarian should be involved in processes and practices that underlie marketing claims for animal-derived food…
JAVMA news
AAFCO calls for more research on hemp products in animal food
The Association of American Feed Control Officials has issued a position paper and call to action on hemp and its byproducts in livestock feed and pet…
policy
Approval and availability of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals
The availability and effectiveness of antimicrobials, including medically important antimicrobials, are important to support the health and welfare of…
policy
Withdrawal of FDA approval for animal drug products
Loss of an animal drug product can have adverse effects on animal health, animal welfare and food safety.
AVMA news
FSIS veterinary position created to improve retention
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has created a higher-graded position for veterinarians in…
AVMA news
New Arkansas vet tech legislation poses risks to veterinary patients, clients, and practices
The Arkansas state legislature recently adopted a law that will expand veterinary technician specialists’ (VTS) scope of practice. Another bill still…
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
Delegates update AVMA policies on diets for cats and dogs, animal loss support services
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) amended several AVMA policies addressing a range of veterinary-related issues, , from raw diets for dogs and cats,…
policy
UNDER REVIEWRelocation of pets for adoption
Careful planning is needed to ensure animal welfare, animal/human safety, and avoid disease spread when dogs and cats are transported for purposes of…
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
The heated topic of raw milk
Unpasteurized milk has found a niche, with devoted followers hyping its taste and purported health benefits.
AVMA news
Companies' cultivated chicken cells obtain regulatory approval
Two companies have received final approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin commercial production and sales of human food from…
JAVMA news
USDA awards $3M in 2020 to support rural veterinary services
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in September that it had awarded nearly $3 million…
JAVMA news
Rumors of the demise of the extension veterinarian
No one knows exactly how many extension veterinarians there are, although they always have been few in number.
JAVMA news
Research resuming on campuses
Early this year, universities delayed the start of new research, reduced staffing in facilities, and added safety measures to ongoing studies. Now,…
AVMA news
Delegates pass policies on raw milk, drugs, agricultural animals
The AVMA House of Delegates revised the AVMA policy on “Raw Milk” for clarity and accuracy, and an HOD reference committee requested that educational…