The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe released three joint-position statements in regard to veterinary medical education, the use of antimicrobial drugs and the roles of veterinarians in promoting good animal welfare. “These joint statements, and most importantly the spirit of cooperation behind them, will serve us well as we strive to protect and enhance global health, both in the practice of veterinary medicine and in the political arena where rules and regulations are established,” said AVMA President Rene Carlson, DVM. The Statement on Veterinary Education outlines the organizations’ list of Day One competencies veterinarian students should possess upon graduation. Among the standards: • Adequate knowledge of food hygiene and technology involved in the production of animal meat products for human consumption. • Adequate knowledge of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to veterinary medicine. • Adequate knowledge of veterinary business operations. The statement also details both organizations' belief that veterinary programs should be accredited through independent, objective and impartial peer review. The Statement on Responsible and Judicious Use of Antimicrobials reveals the organizations’ belief that veterinarians should play a role in preserving antimicrobial efficacy by utilizing other preventive strategies when possible. According to the statement, when antimicrobials are indicated, veterinarians should utilize diagnostic results to ensure an appropriate duration of treatment and restrict antimicrobial treatment to ill or at-risk animals. Finally, the Statement on the Roles of Veterinarians in Ensuring Good Animal Welfare describes the organizations’ belief that veterinarians have “an opportunity and an obligation to help animal owners, caretakers, handlers and policy makers protect and improve animals’ welfare.” More details on the AVMA-FVE joint statements can be found on the organizations’ respective websites: AVMA.org and FVE.org.
