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
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…
policy
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…
policy
Beak conditioning
Commercial poultry beak conditioning, which includes beak trimming, should be practiced only when necessary to prevent feather pecking and…
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
Brucellosis
Continued support for disease control efforts toward the ultimate elimination of brucellosis should remain a national priority.
policy
Canine devocalization
The AVMA strongly discourages the devocalization of dogs because of the surgery's negative impacts on animal welfare. Canine devocalization does not…
policy
Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
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…
policy
Declawing captive exotic and wild indigenous cats
The AVMA condemns declawing captive exotic and other wild indigenous cats for nonmedical reasons.
policy
Declawing of domestic cats
The AVMA discourages elective declawing of cats and supports non-surgical alternatives, respecting the veterinarian’s right to use professional…
policy
Disinfectants for foreign and emerging animal diseases
The AVMA strongly advocates for and supports maintaining U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exemptions for the use of disinfectants against foreign…
policy
Docking of lambs' tails
Lambs' tails may be docked for cleanliness and to minimize fly strike. AVMA opposes excessively short tail docking, which is unacceptable for sheep…
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
policy
Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs
The AVMA opposes canine ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes, and encourages eliminating ear cropping and tail docking…
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Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures demand a licensed veterinarian's extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology,…
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UNDER REVIEWEnvironmental responsibility is a One Health issue
The AVMA supports environmental responsibility, including these specific measures.
policy
UNDER REVIEWExtractive industries
AVMA supports objective scientific research on extractive industries' impacts on animal health, foods of animal and plant origin, and the environment.
policy
Free-roaming abandoned and feral cats
The AVMA encourages collaborative efforts to identify humane and effective alternatives to the destruction of healthy cats for animal control…
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Global climate change and One Health
The AVMA encourages research and education to enhance understanding of how climate change impacts animal, human, and ecosystem health.
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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…
policy
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…
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
Pediatric spay/neuter of dogs and cats
The AVMA supports the concept of pediatric spay/neuter in dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted animals. Veterinarians should use their best…