American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners

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AVMA policy

Tail Docking of Cattle

(Oversight: AWC; EB 04/2004; reaffirmed 04/2009)

The AVMA opposes routine tail docking of cattle. Current scientific literature indicates that routine tail docking provides no benefit to the animal, and that tail docking can lead to distress during fly seasons. When medically necessary, amputation of tails must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

NOTATION:
For further information on welfare implications of tail docking of cattle please visit AVMA's website at: http://www.avma.org/reference/backgrounders/tail_docking_cattle_bgnd.pdf

LEARN...DISCOVER...EXPLORE

Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants: Surgical and Dietary Management. Click here to read David C. Van Metre's presentation.

Abortion in Sheep. Click here to view a presentation by John Plant, Veterinary Specialist.

Congratulations to Dr. Holly Neaton

Winner of the Dr. Don E. Bailey Small Ruminant Practitioner of the Year!
Dr. Neaton, Watertown, Minn, won this award, given in recognition of an AASRP member who has set a high standard as a small ruminant practitioner... (more)

Current Headlines

Required Training for Packaging and Shipping Lab Specimens
Since 1969, the AVMA has had the policy titled "Shipment of Diagnostic Specimens" (http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/hazardsub_transport.asp). more

Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program to Launch Soon

An early bird test

Website to Provide Scientific Information about Raw Milk

A new cooperative website between AVMA and public health groups was developed to provide scientific information, results from research projects, and clinical information on issues relating to raw milk. Click HERE for website

Rare Therapy Llamas help children learn to trust

PU Addresses the growing need for more vets

NIFA Begins Accepting Applications for Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program
NIFA Will Host Webinar for Potential Applicants
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will begin accepting applications today from veterinarians wishing to participate in the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which addresses veterinary shortages in rural America by repaying the student loans of qualified veterinarians in return for their services in areas suffering from a lack of veterinarians