PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Fall 2020 - 8

House of
By Dr. Christina Dougherty, Delegate
Dr. Kate Boatright, Alternate Delegate

The 2020 Annual Session of the AVMA House of Delegates
(HOD) looked a bit different this year thanks to the COVID-19
pandemic. Members of the HOD met virtually on July 30-31,
2020. During the meeting, two resolutions were passed, the
Veterinary Information Forum discussed two topics, and new
leadership was elected. More details on each of these items is
outlined below.

Resolution #5: Transportation of
Research Animals for the Purpose of
Research, Testing, and Education
The AVMA supports the transportation of animals for research,
testing, and education when that transportation is conducted in
accord with regulations and guidelines that assure animals are
handled appropriately per age and species needs and transport
is conducted humanely. This transportation refers to any
movement of animals intended for use in research, testing, and/
or education from one facility (dedicated breeding or research)
to another. Those handling the animals during transport must
be well trained and competent in performing tasks and making
decisions related to the welfare of the animal(s) during the
transport.
Veterinarians are responsible for ensuring the appropriate
transportation of animals for research, testing, and education,
and therefore should be involved in the evaluation of specific
transportation methods. Both air and ground transportation
methods should be available in order to select the method(s)
that provide the highest degree of animal welfare protection,
taking into consideration the animal species and particular
transportation situation.
8 | Keystone Veterinarian

Resolution #6: Antiparasitic
Resistance
Scientific experts have identified changes in parasitic infections
(relating to parasite genetics, biology, and robustness as well
as management of these parasites) and increased parasiticide
resistance that are of immediate and emerging concerns in
many species. These changes are affecting the health and
productivity of animals, requiring veterinarians and animal
owners to reexamine strategies, programs, and drug choices
for parasite evaluation and control. The AVMA strongly
recommends that veterinarians in concert with clients use the
most up-to-date guidelines, treatments, and evidence-based
medicine for parasite control. Veterinarians should lead the
decision-making process for the judicious use of antiparasitic
drugs in animals regardless of the distribution channels through
which the antiparasitic drugs were obtained.
The geographical extent of parasite species with documented
parasiticide resistance varies greatly and treatment strategies
should be guided by local conditions, experience and
antiparasitic drug sensitivity studies when possible. Diagnosis
of the presence of parasiticide resistance is still challenging.
Education and research efforts in the field of parasitology
are needed to provide the most up-to-date knowledge to
veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal owners; this
knowledge should include parasite life cycles, diagnostic
evaluations, management strategies, and treatment and
control measures. In developing a parasite control program,
veterinarians can obtain specific information from multiple
sources including, but not limited to, species and specialty
groups, government agencies, and other experts.
PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Fall 2020

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