AVC Position Statements

Statements regarding the majority opinion of the membership of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. The expressed views or opinions of position statements are not binding upon any AVC member but are suggested guidelines for the membership and industry.

Any active AVC member can submit a position statement to the Standards of Practice Committee. The committee can refer the statement to the Board if desired, and the Board can dissolve it, change it and send it back to committee, or approve it and send it on to the membership. If presented to the general membership, the statement must be approved by a majority of the ballots cast. Ballots will be online for the membership, which can include being added to a newsletter. If approved by the membership, the statement will be added to the Manual and listed for reference in the annual membership directory but will not be added to the By-Laws.

Therefore, the AVC hereby resolves that until further scientific information becomes available alleviating safety and efficacy concerns, aminoglycoside antibiotics should not be used in cattle, except as specifically approved by the FDA.

Therefore, it is the resolve of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants that the beef and dairy industries adopt measures to control and target eventual eradication of BVDV from North America.

The AVC position statement on Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) identifies persistently infected (PI) animals as primary sources of BVD viruses.

The cattle industry has a moral and ethical obligation not to sell known diseased or damaged animals to other parties without full disclosure. In support of the AVC BVD ad hoc committee's mission of BVD control we recognize that responsible disposition of animals persistently infected with BVD (PIs) will be an important component of BVD control.

The dilemma of how to deal with known PI cattle becomes more critical as BVD testing becomes more widespread. Appropriate disposition of known PI cattle must take into account the adverse impact those cattle have on health, welfare and the economic return of the other cattle or cattle operations they may expose to BVD.

It is widely recognized the PI animal is defective and once confirmed, their PI status should thereafter be disclosed as exposure to these cattle has health ramifications for all cattle, especially those intended for reproduction purposes. Therefore, marketing or movement of PI's in any matter that potentially exposes at risk cattle is strongly discouraged.

AVC recognizes the importance of antimicriobial stewardship and has adopted the same stance as AABP on the topic.

Click HERE to read the guidelines (updated March 2024)