Sow housing dominates AVMA welfare agenda

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is hosting three animal welfare meetings this month, including the long-awaited first gathering of the Task Force on the Housing of Pregnant Sows, scheduled Nov. 3-4 at the Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

AVMA delegates charged the task force in July 2003 with conducting a "thorough and objective" review of the scientific evidence relating to the impact of gestation stalls on the health and welfare of breeding sows. Once completed, the task force will recommend an appropriate AVMA position on the housing practice.

According to AVMA, time and location constraints for the task force's 13 members impeded the group's ability to meet sooner.

Animal Welfare Forum

On Nov. 5, AVMA hosts the 2004 Animal Welfare Forum at the same location, where the debate over how to best house pregnant sows continues.

"This year's forum will provide attendees with opportunities to increase their knowledge of the science and ethics behind how pregnant pigs are housed and to discuss related animal-welfare concerns," AVMA officials say.

According to the association, U.S. housing systems for pregnant sows are divided into two main types: group and individual, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Six speakers at the forum will discuss feeding practices, environmental exposures, behavior, pen design, potential aggressive interactions among animals and the ethical and moral belief systems of producers, caretakers and consumers, AVMA adds.

Two panel discussions, a luncheon and reception will facilitate interaction between forum attendees and speakers.

Animal Welfare Committee

A closed-door AVMA Animal Welfare Committee meeting follows the forum on Nov. 6-7, also located at the Marriott Northwest.

At presstime, the group had not released an agenda, although sow housing is a topic expected for discussion, AVMA officials say.