policy
Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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…
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.
policy
Ownership and/or possession and appropriate disposition of wild and exotic pet species or their hybrids
The AVMA is concerned with animal welfare, husbandry, infectious diseases, public health and safety, and environmental impacts associated with…
JAVMA news
California bans retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits
California is the first state to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats, along with rabbits, following in the footsteps of cities across the country…
policy
The veterinarian’s role in supporting appropriate selection and use of service, assistance and therapy animals
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to be familiar with the legal status and protections accorded to service, assistance, emotional support, and therapy…
JAVMA news
California might ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits
California could be the first state to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats, along with rabbits, following in the footsteps of cities across the…
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
Missourians have rights to farm, ranch
Missouri voters passed a constitutional amendment that indicates the state’s residents have the right to farm and ranch
JAVMA news
Restricting ownership of wild animals
Ohio residents have received or sought permits to continue owning about 300 primates
JAVMA news
Hidden wildlife
Nobody knows how many privately owned wild animals are living in captivity in Ohio.
policy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
policy
Animal agriculture manure management
The AVMA supports appropriate efforts and actions to prevent negative environmental impacts from wastes generated by terrestrial or aquatic animal…
policy
UNDER REVIEWTransport, sale yard practices, and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry
The AVMA supports science-based guidelines for transport and humane slaughter of hoofstock and poultry, developed in collaboration with experienced…
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
UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
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
JAVMA news
Appellate court gives mixed ruling on Ohio rBST labeling rules
In striking down some Ohio rules on dairy product labeling, an appellate court cited arguments that cows treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin…
JAVMA news
Legislation presses limits of animal status in New York
Legislation before the New York State Legislature would establish the right to sue for the wrongful death or injury of a