WVMA authors welfare principles for large animals

Madison, Wis. - 4/2/08 - The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association (WVMA) plans to release guiding principles for large-animal welfare, pending review by the group's Animal Welfare Committee and the Executive Board's final approval in June.

The principles address the following topics: euthanasia, disabled cattle, pain management, lameness and on-farm surgery, says Leslie Grendahl, WVMA executive director.

While the two-year project proved arduous, the guidelines are important to the future of food-animal medicine in Wisconsin, association officials say.

WVMA seeks the endorsement of other organizations, including industry.