Animal Welfare
8 Aug 2024
Factsheet on Welfare of Farmed Fish
Aquaculture production as a source of dietary protein is increasing by 6-8% annually to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global human population. Over 214 million tonnes of farmed fish are produced each year around the world for human consumption. Research has demonstrated that fish are sentient, but they are rarely afforded the same level of protection as sentient terrestrial animals. WVA promotes the development and enforcement of appropriate national welfare standards and regulations for aquaculture, training in aquatic veterinary medicine and investment in education and capacity-building to ensure proper care, welfare, and management of aquatic animals.
Animal Welfare
26 Jul 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Role of Veterinarians in Aquatic Animal Health
The WVA and World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA) urge their members to engage with authorities and statutory bodies to improve the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine in the field of aquatic animals; restricting such practice to licensed/registered veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals who work under the supervision of veterinarians.
Animal Welfare
18 Apr 2024
Factsheet on Donkey Skin Trade and Welfare of Donkeys
Demand for ejiao is increasing, leading to global trade and poaching of donkeys. Almost 6 million skins currently being harvested annually to be used to produce collagen for a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), called eijiao. The rampant killing of donkeys for the skin trade leads to the impoverishment of local communities, loss of opportunities for women, and impairs access to education for children, water provision and agricultural sustainability. The global donkey population stands at~53.4million. The donkey population in China alone has decreased from ~11 million in 1992 to just under 2 million in 2020 (FAOSTAT,2021).
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on the Protection of Animals During Disasters and Armed Conflict
The WVA considers that there is an urgent need for national preparedness plans and coordinated international veterinary relief geared towards support of animals, as well as consideration of protections of ecosystems and habitats during armed conflict and natural disasters.
Animal Welfare
28 Feb 2024
WVA Position Statement on Position Statement on Control of Inappropriately Aggressive Dogs
The WVA recognizes that inappropriately aggressive dogs may pose a significant threat to humans and other animals and calls for education, community involvement, owner responsability and appropriate legislation.
Animal Welfare
31 Jan 2024
Factsheet on Working Equids Welfare
There are over 116 million working equids and they support over 600 million people worldwide. Despite the development of global standards, many working equids still experience poor welfare.
Animal Welfare
20 Jan 2023
WVA Position Statement on Pain Management in Farmed Animals
Appropriate pain recognition and management is critical for improving the welfare of farmed animals. The WVA calls on its members to advocate for better protections for farmed animal welfare in their country or region.
Animal Welfare
20 Jan 2023
WVA Position Statement on the Humane Care of Animals in Biomedical Research
Humane Care of Animal Used in Biomedical Reserarch
Animal Welfare
14 Apr 2022
WVA Position Statement on Depopulation of Animals in Disasters and Emergencies
Recent events have shown that pandemics, disasters, notifiable disease outbreaks, and other emergencies, which are capable of disrupting supply chains, may require animal depopulation. Planning for situations that necessitate depopulation of animals should be part of disaster preparedness at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Animal Welfare
14 Apr 2022
WVA Position Statement on the Use of Horses for Production of Biologics and Therapeutics
Horses are often used in the production of biologics and therapeutics to treat or prevent various conditions in humans and other animals. The welfare of all animals under human care should have the highest priority. For that reason, the WVA calls for updated and transparent management of the overall field, in which ethical and welfare […]