policy
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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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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Assessment of new therapies for alleviation of pain in animals
Assessing the efficacy of analgesics used in veterinary clinical practice requires well-designed and appropriately controlled experimental clinical…
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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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UNDER REVIEWAVMA policy to promote veterinary medical research and discovery
The AVMA recognizes that veterinary medical research is fundamental to the continued advancement of evidence-based veterinary practice.
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AVMA support of comparative medicine programs at the National Institutes of Health
AVMA recommends that NIH expand opportunities for veterinarians and veterinary students to take part in scientific education and training, research…
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Canine brucellosis
Brucella canis infection is a common disease of dogs that can affect humans and is therefore a One Health issue.
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Comparative medicine and translational research
Comparative medicine studies the similarities and differences in biology among animals to enhance the understanding of mechanisms of human and animal…
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Creation and use of genetically modified animals as research models
Creation and use of genetically modified animals for investigating diseases affecting animals and people should not be needlessly restricted and…
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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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Development of emerging disease agent biologics
Development of emerging infectious disease biologics is essential for One Health. The AVMA supports the development of these products through…
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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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Establishment and use of veterinary clinical studies committees
All veterinary clinical research conducted on client-owned animals should be performed with oversight that ensures the safe and ethical treatment of…
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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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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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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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Inherited disorders in responsible breeding of companion animals
The AVMA encourages careful consideration of the health and welfare implications of breed standards, breeding decisions, and the responsibilities…
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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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National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) funding
The AVMA advocates for funding to develop and maintain infrastructure for a comprehensive National Animal Health Laboratory Network so that the U.S.…
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NIH support of biomedical research training for veterinarians
Veterinarians play an important role in biomedical research that benefits animal, human, and environmental health. The AVMA strongly supports…