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…
Plague FAQ
Human Plague frequently asked questions: Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
JAVMA news
AVMA revises policy on feral cats to encourage collaboration
The AVMA has revised its policy on “Free-roaming Abandoned and Feral Cats” to encourage collaboration among veterinarians, humane groups, and wildlife…
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…
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
Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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
UNDER REVIEWTransportation and processing of horses
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' policy on transportation and processing of horses.
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,…
Animal carcass disposal
Determine the best means of disposal for animal carcasses, tissues, and body parts.
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…
AVMA news
Beef cow with atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy found in South Carolina
A beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina tested positive for an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), according to a May…
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).
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
1995 - 2005
This decade was a time of relatively high caseloads, allowing for continued accumulation of case experience.
JAVMA news
Border violence complicates animal health surveillance
Drug cartel violence along the U.S.-Mexican border has become a hazard to animal health and movement in that area.
policy
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
JAVMA news
Convention-goers get a peek at DC Public Health Lab
Kicking off the tour was Tony Tran, PHL director and a doctor of public health, who described some of the laboratory's activities.
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…
policy
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) judicious use of antimicrobials guidelines
The AVMA has endorsed these antimicrobial stewardship guidelines developed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.