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…
JAVMA news
A better way
Researchers develop a humane and environmentally safe method for euthanizing stranded whales
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…
JAVMA news
Association strengthens policy on extractive industries
The AVMA has bolstered its policy on extraction of gas, oil, and minerals to support responsible practices that minimize negative impacts on animals,…
policy
Conservation of wildlife
The AVMA recognizes the vital role of wildlife in the human-animal-environment complex and that wildlife conservation is most effectively addressed…
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…
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…
JAVMA news
Can veterinarians prevent the next pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic marks the third novel coronavirus outbreak of the 21st century. Unlike the viruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome…
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
UNDER REVIEWVeterinary involvement in marine mammal health and welfare
The AVMA encourages the use of appropriately experienced and qualified veterinarians to optimize the health and welfare of marine mammals.
JAVMA news
Congressmen call for public health coordination amid coronavirus outbreak
As coronavirus infections spread, veterinarians in Congress stress that the outbreak shows the need for coordinated health planning among federal…
policy
Trapping and steel-jawed leghold traps
The AVMA opposes the use of conventional (non-padded, non-offset) steel jawed foothold traps, also called leghold traps.
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
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…
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
The risky business of global animal movement
Likely sources of another pandemic are being scrutinized like never before, including the global movement of animals via international trade and…
JAVMA news
Project aims to identify viruses with pandemic potential
The U.S. Agency for International Development is working with Washington State University on a global, multimillion-dollar project to identify unknown…
JAVMA news
Songbirds, rodents not likely vectors in avian influenza outbreak
Songbirds and rodents are unlikely to have transmitted highly pathogenic avian influenza onto farms in 2014 and 2015, according to findings in a…
JAVMA news
1995 - 2005
This decade was a time of relatively high caseloads, allowing for continued accumulation of case experience.