policy
Humane transport of equines
The AVMA supports the use of best practices when transporting animals and therefore opposes the use of double-decked trailers to transport equines.
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…
AVMA news
Research on aging a natural fit for One Health approach
With today’s technological advancements, researchers are calling for a concerted effort to gather big data on aging dogs to benefit not only…
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
JAVMA news
The hidden ecosystem of the gut microbiome
Millions of bacteria live in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including cats, dogs, and humans.
policy
UNDER REVIEWRemoval of antlers (velveting)
If amputation of living, growing antlers of cervids is performed, it must be done humanely and within the bounds of a veterinarian-client-patient…
policy
Euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption
The AVMA is not opposed to euthanasia of animals that are unwanted or unfit for adoption, when conducted by qualified personnel using appropriate…
JAVMA news
In Short
Osteosarcoma is genetically similar in dogs and human children, according to a study published July 19 in the journal Communications Biology by Tufts…
JAVMA news
Novel pain assessment developed for horses
European researchers provide a new approach to assessing pain in horses on the basis of a standardized scale of facial expressions called the Horse…
JAVMA news
HOD adopts policies on cribbing, microchipping animals
In January, the AVMA House of Delegates overwhelmingly voted to adopt a new policy on humanely managing horse cribbing and a revised policy concerning…
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
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
Antimicrobial use and resistance: FAQs for pet owners
AVMA's antimicrobial FAQs provide science-based information to help you make educated decisions about the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial…
policy
UNDER REVIEWFeral swine
The AVMA supports scientifically based regulation and/or legislation related to feral swine.
policy
Use of horses in urban environments
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on the use of horses in urban environments.
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
Taking on obesity as a disease
The veterinary profession should formally recognize canine and feline obesity as a disease, according to a position statement from the Global Pet…
JAVMA news
Oklahoma equine dentistry bill approved
An Oklahoma bill signed into law April 16 by the governor establishes a certification mechanism for "nonveterinary" dental providers.
policy
UNDER REVIEWAAEP-AVMA management of Bureau of Land Management wild horses and burros
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).
JAVMA news
$4.8M grant funds work on vaccine for coccidioidomycosis
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a four-year, $4.8 million grant to the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson to fund work on
AVMA news
Board revises AVMA policies on horse tripping, opioids, public health
The AVMA Board of Directors (BOD) updated and adopted several policies during its April 4-5 meeting at AVMA headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. The…
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…
JAVMA news
The drought drags on...
This year’s drought has forced horse owners and rescue groups in some areas to begin feeding hay to their animals as early as midsummer as
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
Welfare guidelines released for working equids
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has adopted the first set of global standards for ensuring the welfare of working equids.