policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
JAVMA news
Food safety problem-solving method to be explored with grant
A multi-institutional project is under way to teach a new framework for problem solving to veterinary students involved with food safety and food…
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…
JAVMA news
Judge orders antimicrobial safety evaluation
In June, a U.S. magistrate ordered federal authorities to evaluate the safety of many uses of antimicrobials in livestock.
policy
Organic foods
Food producers should be encouraged to provide medically necessary therapy, including antimicrobials, under a veterinarian’s direction, regardless of…
Cold weather animal safety
You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets'
JAVMA news
FDA bans feed importer for safety violation, fraud
A Canadian company is barred from exporting animal foods to the U.S. after perpetrating a fraud intended to cover up a shipment of unsafe feed.
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…
AVMA news
Genetically modified cattle may be sold for food in U.S.
The Food and Drug Administration will, for the first time, allow sale of the first genetically modified food animals. The cattle are gene edited to…
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
Veterinarians have a role in global food security, Association says
The AVMA Board of Directors, while meeting April 5-6, approved the new "AVMA Policy on Global Food Security."
JAVMA news
FSIS urges HACCP reassessments
The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is encouraging slaughterers of young calves
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.
JAVMA news
World Veterinary Day promotes sustainable development
The theme of World Veterinary Day 2018, which falls on April 28, is “The role of the veterinary profession in sustainable development to improve…
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
Purdue receives $3.18M to address rural veterinary shortages, diversity
With help from a new federal grant, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is stepping up to expand access to the veterinary profession…
blog
Farm priorities: Ensuring veterinarians’ voices are heard
As Congress works to finalize the details of the 2018 farm bill, the AVMA is continuing advocacy work in support of key programs that protect animal…
JAVMA news
Comments invited on proposed new specialty
The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties has received a petition for recognition of the Exotic Companion Mammal Practice specialty under the…
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
Report says animal management research needed
A report from a science source for food, agricultural, and environmental issues calls for research on connections among animal