Statement of the United States
Animal Health Association

October, 2000

Humane livestock management is recognized as a critical component of animal agriculture. Failure to manage livestock with attention on the welfare of the animal degrades performance and viability of the operation and the individual. Marketing of livestock compromised by disease or injury further degrades the welfare of the animal, damages the prestige of the livestock production industry, and potentially endangers public health. Opinion within the industry, supported by economic, food-bourne disease, animal welfare, and other research, is that non-ambulatory livestock should not enter or endure market channels. Many livestock-related associations (including USAHA and several member agencies) promote and support this concept.