policy
UNDER REVIEWAABP judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials in cattle
The AVMA has endorsed these guidelines developed by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
policy
Aminoglycoside use in cattle and small ruminants
The AVMA does not support extralabel use of aminoglycosides in cattle or small ruminants due to the substantial risk for violative residues in food…
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…
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
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
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
policy
Codex Alimentarius Commission
AVMA will promote inclusion of an AVMA representative in the U.S. delegation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and appropriate committees and task…
policy
Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
policy
UNDER REVIEWDisabled livestock
Disabled livestock must be handled humanely. View AVMA's policy on disabled livestock.
policy
Emotional support animals
The AVMA encourages housing providers covered by the Fair Housing Act or similar laws to ensure they understand and are fully compliant with their…
policy
Foot and mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of worldwide concern. View AVMA's recommendations for FMD preparedness and…
policy
Guidelines for use of exempt biologics
State-licensed veterinarians may consider preparing biologics in their practice facility under a VCPR in unique disease situations not adequately…
policy
UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
policy
UNDER REVIEWImportation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animals
The AVMA recommends regulations governing the importation and interstate movement of wildlife, aquatic, and non-native animal species when there is…
policy
UNDER REVIEWJohne's disease
Johne's is a disease of significant economic importance to cattle and small ruminants.
policy
Livestock identification and animal traceability
Permanent, unique identification of animals and premises is essential for tracing origin and destination of livestock to protect the nation’s…
policy
Livestock handling tools
Mechanical aids to direct livestock movement should be used properly and should be secondary to good facility design and understanding the specific…
policy
Microchip identification of companion animals and equids
The AVMA endorses the implantation of electronic identification in companion animals and equids and supports standardization in materials, procedures,…
policy
Notification to the veterinarian of violative residues in foods of animal origin
Veterinarians have an essential role in preventing such violations and ensuring the appropriate and judicious use of pharmaceuticals on food animal…
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
Pasteurized milk ordinance somatic cell count standard
The AVMA supports revising the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance somatic cell count standard for Grade "A" raw milk from dairy cattle for pasteurization,…
policy
Raw milk
The AVMA supports laws requiring pasteurization of fluid nonhuman mammalian milk intended for direct sale or distribution to consumers and opposes…
policy
Safe non-commercial transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners about the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing…
policy
Tail docking of cattle
The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates it provides no benefit to the animal, and it may cause…