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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.
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UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
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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…
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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…
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Bovine castration
Cattle castration is important to animal and human safety, reduces aggressive behavior, and improves meat quality. The veterinarian of record should…
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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…
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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.
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
CWD spreading, sometimes long before discovery
About four in 10 wild cervids are infected with CWD in areas of Colorado, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The always-fatal prion disease also can simmer…
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…
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…
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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
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
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.
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Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
JAVMA news
Finding the spreaders of chronic wasting disease
Research teams are working to improve tests used to find the prions that cause chronic wasting disease, track animal movements and interactions…
JAVMA news
The heated topic of raw milk
Unpasteurized milk has found a niche, with devoted followers hyping its taste and purported health benefits.
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…
JAVMA news
Chronic wasting disease continues to spread
An always-fatal neurologic disease is contributing to declines in Western deer and elk herds and raising the possibility of local extinctions.
AVMA news
A research facility ahead of its time
The state-of-the-art National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, based in the nation’s heartland, is arguably the most advanced animal agriculture…
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
Federal complex to expand animal disease studies, diagnostics
Dr. Kenneth R. Burton, coordinator of the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, talked with JAVMA News about progress on the facility and how he…