AASV Position Statement: Telemedicine

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) supports the use and definition of telemedicine as stated in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Telemedicine policy. Additionally, we agree the practice requires a current Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) as defined by the AVMA. A VCPR cannot be established solely by telephonic or other electronic means.

Telemedicine has the potential to increase veterinary access in rural areas, improve response time, and increase collaboration between generalists and specialists. AASV supports research validating telemedicine’s capabilities relative to existing practice standards. AASV members are encouraged to embrace technologies that will improve standard of care and animal welfare, increase biosecurity, and bolster foreign animal disease preparedness. Telemedicine may supplement in-person visits and it is the swine veterinarian’s responsibility to determine which cases are best suited for telemedicine.

AVMA Telemedicine Policy (March 2023): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/telemedicine

AVMA VCPR Definition (March 2023): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/veterinarian-client-patient-relationship-vcpr

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors on April 27, 2023.