AVMA Congratulates President-Elect Obama, Highlights Key Issues

WASHINGTON, DC 

— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hand delivered a letter this week to the office of President-elect Barack Obama, congratulating him on his historic election to the nation’s highest office and highlighting key public and animal-related issues on which the AVMA is prepared to work with the incoming president.

The letter to President-elect Obama, signed by AVMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, states: “Animal and human health are among the most important issues facing America today, and America’s veterinarians are eager to provide science-based insights to you and your staff as you strive to protect Americans from zoonotic diseases, food-borne illnesses and animal-related bioterrorism.”

The AVMA letter further emphasizes areas on which America’s veterinarians stand ready to work with the new administration. Specifically, the letter notes that veterinarian shortages and food safety resource challenges must be addressed, as they significantly impact the health of all Americans.

Finally, the letter encourages the appointment of veterinarians to top-level, politically appointed positions that deal with veterinary, animal and food safety issues. “As you and your team work to fill thousands of key policy positions, the AVMA encourages the new administration to fill critical positions with veterinarians whenever possible,” the letter states.

A team of veterinarians and advocacy experts working in the AVMA’s Governmental Relations Division in Washington, DC, is currently finalizing plans to provide information and outreach to the incoming presidential administration and the 111th Congress.

The letter from the AVMA to President-elect Obama can be read in its entirety on the AVMA website at: http://www.avma.org/advocacy/federal/avma-ltr-to-obama.asp