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UNDER REVIEWAddressing the role of veterinary medicine in human health care following catastrophes involving mass human casualty
AVMA encourages authorities to address licensing, liability, policy and other issues to adequately recognize and validate the opportunity and benefits…
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Adverse event reporting
The AVMA encourages veterinarians to report adverse events, and encourages continued development and strengthening of adverse event reporting systems.
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Animal fighting
The AVMA condemns fighting events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and recommends that animal fighting be considered a felony…
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UNDER REVIEWAnimal abuse and animal neglect
Veterinarians may observe cases of suspected animal abuse or neglect. The AVMA encourages state legislation that supports veterinarians who report…
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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 veterinary practice in U.S. waters outside state jurisdiction
Licensed, federally accredited veterinarians must be used in aquaculture systems within U.S. waters outside of state jurisdiction. Criteria for…
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AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals
The AVMA guidelines for the depopulation of animals help members of the veterinary profession make decisions that support animal welfare in emergency…
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Contingency planning for all-hazard emergency incidents involving animals
The AVMA considers contingency planning for all-hazard emergency incidents involving animals, including agricultural, companion, research, wildlife,…
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Dangerous animal legislation
The AVMA supports dangerous animal that does not refer to specific breeds or classes of animals.
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Disaster/Emergency pet sheltering preferences
The AVMA recommends use of the cohabitation sheltering model (sheltering as a family unit) during disasters and emergencies involving companion…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
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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…
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Federal guidance on integrating animal issues into emergency issues
The AVMA strongly recommends periodic review of federal guidance on disaster preparedness, response and recovery to improve support for animal owners…
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Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
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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…
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UNDER REVIEWInfectious risk of animal carcasses in natural disasters
Animals that die from injuries, including massive animal deaths in cases of natural disasters, generally do not represent an infectious health hazard…
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Licensure, liability and workers' compensation coverage for veterinarians and veterinary technicians responding to declared emergencies out of state
AVMA encourages interstate recognition of licenses/credentials of veterinarians/veterinary technicians officially responding to state-declared…
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Model dog and cat control ordinance
The AVMA's Model Dog and Cat Control Ordinance is a guide for legislators and other government officials involved in developing animal control…
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UNDER REVIEWModel Veterinary Practice Act
The AVMA Model Veterinary Practice Act is intended to serve as a set of guiding principles for those who are, or will be, preparing or revising a…
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Role of the veterinary profession in national, state, and local emergencies
The AVMA recommends that emergency management organizations include veterinarians in the planning process and response operations.
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Secure food supply plans
The AVMA recommends that federal and state regulatory authorities along with industry stakeholders continue to update, maintain and use the Secure…
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Service animals
If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a service animal regardless whether it has been licensed or certified by a government or an…
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State and local regulation of veterinary medicine
State and local lawmakers should defer to the professional judgment of veterinarians when considering proposals that impact the practice and scope of…
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The importance of federal veterinarians in emergency response
The AVMA supports the recruitment and retention of federal veterinarians to build a veterinary emergency response surge capacity.
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The veterinary profession's role in addressing the opioid epidemic
AVMA strongly recommends that veterinarians, legislators, state veterinary medical boards, and state pharmacy boards work together to create practical…