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
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
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
Companion animal spay-neuter programs
Every animal, regardless of its ownership, should receive quality veterinary and surgical care.
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
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…
policy
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…
policy
Education and training in food safety, security and defense for veterinary medical professional and paraprofessional students
The AVMA recommends that state and federal entities develop and expand training programs for veterinary students in the area of food safety,…
policy
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures
Embryo transfer and advanced reproductive technology procedures demand a licensed veterinarian's extensive knowledge in anatomy, physiology,…
policy
Food safety
The AVMA supports appropriate educational, legislative, and regulatory measures to assure that foods of animal origin are safe and wholesome. AVMA…
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
Global food security
The AVMA supports the promotion of the veterinary profession’s many roles in advancing global food security. View the policy on global food security.
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
Marketing claims regarding agricultural animal food products
Understand when the AVMA believes a veterinarian should be involved in processes and practices that underlie marketing claims for animal-derived food…
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
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
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…
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
Raw diets for dogs and cats
The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens…