policy
UNDER REVIEWBest management practices for pharmaceutical disposal
Pharmaceutical disposal is an important and complex issue. See best practices for veterinarians and veterinary teams.
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Integrated pest management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a component of One Health, and the AVMA supports science-based integrated pest management programs and practices…
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UNDER REVIEWVeal calf management
The AVMA supports modern veal calf production practices that meet the welfare and health needs of calves. View the policy on veal calf management.
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Veterinarians practicing aquatic animal medicine
Aquatic animal veterinarians in the U.S. care for animals and protect public health, diagnosing disease, performing surgery, evaluating and…
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Management of mares used in the pregnant mare urine (PMU) collection industry
The AVMA endorses the American Association of Equine Practitioners' position statement on Management of Mares Used in the Pregnant Mare Urine…
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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…
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Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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Antimicrobial stewardship definition and core principles
These principles can be used to develop antimicrobial stewardship plans in any veterinary practice setting.
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Tail docking and teeth clipping of swine
The AVMA recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain associated with tail docking and teeth clipping of pigs. This…
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Genetic modification of animals in agriculture
Genetic research and the practical application of that knowledge in farm-raised* animals should be encouraged.
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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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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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Regulation of veterinary medical waste
AVMA supports reasonable approaches and sound science in setting regulations pertaining to veterinary medical waste.
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Harmonized approach to voluntary and regulated aquatic animal health programs
Multiple government agencies claim jurisdiction and oversight over aquatic animal health.
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UNDER REVIEWAppropriate animal carcass disposal
The AVMA advocates safe and environmentally responsible disposal of animal carcasses, whether on an individual animal basis or during mass mortality…
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Aquatic ecosystems
The AVMA recognizes the pressing need to ensure the future health of aquatic animals and the ecosystems that support them. Veterinarians can and…
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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.
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UNDER REVIEWJoint AVMA-FVE-CVMA statement on veterinary education
This statement has been adopted jointly by the AVMA, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
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Model policy on harassment and discrimination-free veterinary workplace
This model policy is intended as a starting point for veterinarians. Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws may differ greatly from state to…
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UNDER REVIEWJohne's disease
Johne's is a disease of significant economic importance to cattle and small ruminants.
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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…
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Veterinary internship guidelines
Internships should prepare veterinarians for high-quality service in practice or advanced specialty training. These guidelines establish reasonable…
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Tuberculosis Eradication in Bovidae and Cervidae in the United States
The AVMA urges the USDA to continue partnering with public and private agencies and stakeholders to respond to, control, and eliminate tuberculosis in…
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Therapeutic medications in racehorses
Health care decisions for individual horses are the responsibility of the veterinarian, trainer, and owner and must have the best interests of the…
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AVMA guidelines for horse show veterinarians
See areas of veterinary responsibility and guidelines on the conduct of horse show veterinarians.