policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
JAVMA news
Changes coming in antimicrobial use, availability
When the types of antimicrobials important for human medicine are sold for use in farm animals, only a small portion require a
JAVMA news
Studies ongoing into effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on animals
As the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant spreads in the U.S., researchers continue work to understand the effects on animals of such human variants of concern.
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…
JAVMA news
Veterinary scientist advocates for endangered whales
Dr. Michael Moore has spent his career publicizing how human activities are harming whales and other marine mammals that would otherwise remain hidden…
blog
Congressional offices consider making xylazine a controlled substance
With illicit xylazine increasingly showing up in street drugs that pose grave risks to human users, government policymakers are discussing making it a…
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
AVMA supports bills on horse trailers, research
The AVMA will push Congress to pass legislation that would forbid transporting horses across state lines in double-deck trailers.
JAVMA news
Senators doubt FDA can control antimicrobial use
Three senators have expressed doubt federal authorities can or will ensure veterinarians administer antimicrobials to livestock only when appropriate.
policy
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
TSEs are important diseases worldwide. The AVMA encourages research and dissemination of scientific knowledge about them; and supports surveillance,…
JAVMA news
AVMA giving help on veterinary feed directives
Veterinarians who want help filing veterinary feed directives can use a model form and instructions provided by the AVMA.
JAVMA news
FDA extends call for treatment limit ideas
Food and Drug Administration authorities have extended a call for ideas on how to limit durations of some approved antimicrobial treatments in…
JAVMA news
FDA hosting meetings on antimicrobial use
The Food and Drug Administration, with co-sponsorship from the Department of Agriculture, is hosting meetings through June to give
AVMA news
USDA proposed rulemaking to strengthen regulations for handling wild, exotic animals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is soliciting public comment on a plan to strengthen regulations for…
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
Though COVID-19 cases rare in pets, testing is available
Veterinarians can test for the COVID-19 virus in animals, but whether and when they should still remain issues. At press time in late April, only a…
JAVMA news
FDA wants species-level antimicrobial data
A proposal published in May would require drug companies to provide federal authorities estimated volumes of antimicrobials sold for use in each food…
JAVMA news
Restrictions on medicated feeds coming to farms
By the end of this year, hundreds of antimicrobial applications for livestock will change to add veterinarian oversight and remove approval for growth…
Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens affecting animal health
The AVMA has worked with experts to identify bacteria affecting multiple animal species for which there is evidence of antimicrobial resistance. The…
JAVMA news
AVMA hosts feed directive summit
Veterinarians, meat and feed industry representatives, and regulators discussed pending changes
policy
Elephant guides and tethers
The AVMA condemns the use of guides to puncture, lacerate, strike or inflict harm upon an elephant. The AVMA recommends tethers only be used when…
policy
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
JAVMA news
FDA issues oversight rules for medicated feed
The Food and Drug Administration issued the rules on veterinary feed directives, which are similar to prescriptions
JAVMA news
50 years later, animal welfare act is a work in progress
The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966, originally to protect laboratory animals while also regulating animal dealers and the laboratories…