By Drs. Keith Poulsen and Danielle Mayr, WVMA representatives to the AVMA HOD
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) met prior to the AVMA Convention in Washington, DC, July 17 and 18. The meeting included the fly-in Capitol Hill visits for 2025.
The Wisconsin delegation included Drs. Danielle Mayr, Kim Kratt, Doug Kratt, Brian Darkow, Matt Boyle, Donna Clemens, Rosemarie Niznik, Keith Poulsen, and Becky Johnson. Caroline Berge (VM3) and Cady Siemers (VM4) joined and led the advocacy meetings. We covered the offices of Congressmen Pocan, Wied, Van Orden, Grothman, and Steil. The two main issues on the table: Protecting the use of xylazine for veterinarians and improving the rural loan repayment program.
Elections and Resolutions
The HOD elected Dr. Jennifer Quammen as President-elect. Dr. Michael Bailey is now the AVMA President, and Dr. Sandra Faeh has moved into the office of Past President. Dr. Robert Knapp, who is cycling off as Chair of the AVMA Board of Directors, announced his bid for President-elect.
Seven resolutions were discussed by reference committees (9-15). Most notably, the Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA) was adopted and will be reviewed again in five years. Other notable resolutions included feline declawing, pain management, and sow housing. All AVMA resolutions and links to key documents, including the MVPA and principles of veterinary medical ethics, can be found by searching the AVMA website.
Within 24 hours of our Hill visits, two additional cosponsors signed on for the bills addressed in our meetings. This is a great example of how advocacy work truly does make a difference!
Feel free to reach out to us with questions or comments. We’re happy to discuss all the great work being done to protect and advance our profession.