policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
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…
policy
Bovine disbudding and dehorning
Disbudding and dehorning of cattle are important for human and animal safety, although they are procedures that cause pain and discomfort. AVMA…
policy
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
policy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
Committee on Antimicrobials
The Committee on Antimicrobials supports AVMA’s strategy to allow the veterinary profession to effectively share robust and comprehensive…
Avian influenza
Avian influenza appears periodically all over the world, including in the United States.
resource
MEMBERS ONLYAVMA-Detailed-Coronoavirus-Taxonomy-2020-02-03 PDF
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
In Short
Aquarium cleaner death, anxiety in dogs, and more in the May 1 “In Short” section
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinarians could lead sustainability efforts
Despite the veterinary community championing the one-health concept—that human, animal, and environmental health are intertwined—the environmental…
blog
One Health, wildlife see wins in federal funding
The spending package approved to fund the federal government through the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2021 provides major wins for veterinarians.
JAVMA news
USDA awards $11M for agricultural animal studies
Federal grants will fund studies on ways to enhance reproduction in agricultural animals and improve the lives of those animals.
blog
Proposed law would let more veterinarians participate in VMLRP
Legislation that would help increase rural access to veterinary care has been reintroduced in Congress. The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act would help…
blog
Here’s one promising approach to address rural veterinary shortages
There are veterinarians who want to work in rural areas of America but are unable to do so—for financial reasons. The great news is that legislation…
AVMA news
Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in Texas, Kansas dairy cattle
State and federal officials continue to investigate after highly pathogenic avian influenza is identified in clinical samples obtained from dairy…
Avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) in U.S. dairy cattle
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was identified in U.S. dairy cattle for the first time in March 2024. Here are important details about this…
AVMA news
USDA requires HPAI testing for lactating dairy cattle before movement, reporting for all livestock
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is starting to require negative tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, more specifically avian…