AASV Position Statement: Strategies for Responding to Processing Disruption Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The following position statement is provided for historical purposes only.

This statement was replaced by the current AASV position on Stop Movement Situations by the AASV Board of Directors on April 27, 2023.

AASV Position Statement: Strategies for Responding to Processing Disruption Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Swine producers should work with their veterinarian to develop situation-specific strategies to deliver optimal care for pigs affected by the processing disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In exercising their professional responsibilities, veterinarians should ensure:

• Actions are consistent with veterinary professional obligations, and conform to acceptable standards of veterinary practice and available scientific literature;
• Actions optimize the health, safety, and welfare outcomes for the animals and humans within the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• Actions are consistent with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

If depopulation must be considered, veterinarians should reference the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals. Priority should be given to those methods classified as “Preferred” but the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 processing disruption may require the use of methods classified as “Permitted in Constrained Circumstances.”

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors on May 19, 2020.