This policy is consistent with AVMA policy. Antimicrobial agents used for production purposes may eventually be phased out. Dr. Apostolos T. Rantsios, WVA president, explores the barn at James Herriot's veterinary surgery. The WVA is working to encourage a science-based approach to animal health issues to neutralize some of the political involvement that seems to occur in these areas. The WVA hopes to help improve the standards of veterinary education in parts of the world where it is substandard.
Standards can vary among countries when it comes to animal welfare issues as well.
What may be culturally acceptable in one country could be taboo in many others. The Animal Welfare and Animal Health Technical Committee was formed to provide a forum in which world representatives could exchange ideas about this topic. Although Dr. Swanson said the committee has only begun to discuss some areas of concern, it is focusing efforts on preventing the potential spread of diseases across country borders through cooperation and communication with the Organization of International Epizooties. The issue of animal welfare was foremost in the minds of all who attended. The focus was on improving the welfare of animals worldwide.