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IVMA Delegates Attend AVMA Summer Meeting

by Dr. Sherilynn Burkman, Idaho AMVA delegate

The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) met in July in conjunction with the AVMA Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

During the meeting, the HOD discussed two Veterinary Information Forum educational topics, proposed bylaws, HOD manual amendments, and four resolutions. 

Elections included multiple council positions, House Advisory Committee members, and the offices of AVMA Vice President and President Elect. The HOD also received updates from across the AVMA.

Access to the full 2026 Annual HOD Proceedings are found here: 2026 HOD resolutions and proposed bylaws amendments.

Veterinary Information Forum (VIF) Topics

A. Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
Delegates participated in an informative discussion on the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary medicine. AI is already used in many practices for tasks including medical records, voice-to-text transcription, administrative workflows, imaging support, and early clinical decision support.

While adoption continues to grow, participants identified several important concerns, including reliability and accuracy, data security and client privacy, legal liability, transparency, clinician oversight, and the need for appropriate training.

The AVMA Task Force on Emerging Technologies and Innovation is developing practical resources to help veterinarians responsibly integrate AI into practice. Planned resources include guidance on AI literacy, governance, data privacy, vendor evaluation, decision-making frameworks, and client communication.

B. New World Screwworm
Delegates received a comprehensive update on New World Screwworm and current preparedness and response efforts.

Presenters reviewed the parasite’s lifecycle, clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnosis, reporting requirements, treatment, and environmental control measures.

The discussion also summarized USDA preparedness and response efforts with federal, state, and industry partners, including surveillance, reporting, diagnostics, eradication efforts, and stakeholder communication.

Learn more at this link: AVMA New World Screwworm Resources

AVMA Updates
Delegates received updates from leaders across the association regarding multiple AVMA initiatives and programs.

See related resources:

HOD Manual
The House of Delegates Manual was amended as proposed to remove the two-minute introductory video requirement for Council nominees.

Bylaws Amendments
The House approved two bylaw amendments:

  • Clarifying revisions to existing bylaw language, and an
  • Extension from one year to two years of the grace period for Constituent Allied Veterinary Organizations.

Resolutions
The House of Delegates adopted four policy resolutions:

  1. Animal Abuse and Neglect – revised policy approved with amendments.
  2. Free-Roaming Cats – new policy approved, replacing previous policies addressing feral cats and free-roaming owned cats.
  3. Calf Management – revised policy approved with amendments to include replacement dairy calves.
  4. One Health Day – resolution encouraging states to recognize November 3 as One Health Day approved with amendments.

HOD Elections
Elections and campaign announcements:

  • Candidates were elected to numerous AVMA councils, including the Councils on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, Public Health, Research, and Veterinary Service.
  • Four candidates were elected to serve on the House Advisory Committee.
  • Dr. Bob Knapp was elected AVMA President Elect, and Dr. Elizabeth Boggier was elected AVMA Vice President.
  • Campaigns for the 2027–2028 AVMA President Elect office were officially announced by Drs. Sandy Willis (District XI representative to Idaho) and Isaac Bott.

AVMA HOD Winter Session
The next AVMA House of Delegates meeting will be held in Chicago on January 8–9 2027, in conjunction with the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference.

Portions of this report were adapted (with gratitude) from the AVMA HOD Meeting Summary provided by the House Advisory Committee. – Dr. Sherilynn Burman, Idaho AVMA Delegate

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