BigStock The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a new Farm Bill that reauthorizes federal programs central to veterinary medicine, with several priorities backed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The legislation includes measures to strengthen dog importation standards, support animal disease prevention and traceability, and sustain workforce programs aimed at rural veterinary shortages. "The AVMA applauds the House for advancing a Farm Bill that will strengthen dog importation standards, fund and assess federal programs vital to veterinary medicine, and protect the country’s animal and public health,” says Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA president, in a statement. “Enacting the Farm Bill is essential to advancing research into effective recruitment and retention strategies for veterinarians serving in rural and underserved communities. With the legislation now moving to the Senate for consideration, we look forward to working further with Congress and will continue to underscore the importance of including veterinary priorities in the final version of the Farm Bill.” The bill incorporates the Healthy Dog Importation Act, extends key animal disease programs through 2031, reauthorizes workforce initiatives, such as the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP), and continues support for the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program (FARAD). The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
