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AVMA exec board supports ‘egg bill’

The executive board of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has voted to support the controversial “egg bill” in Congress.

That legislation, which would require the U.S. egg industry to convert hen housing from conventional cage systems to colony cages by the end of 2029, would implement an agreement made between The Humane Society of the United States and United Egg Producers (UEP).

In an email to its stakeholders, the AVMA executive board says that despite having what it calls “significant concerns” with the creation of federal regulations on animal housing and management, the welfare of the animals was the most important factor behind its decision.

In a news release, UEP says it welcomes the AVMA’s endorsement of the legislation.   UEP says the legislation will provide a stable future for egg farmers and will allow America’s national egg sales and distribution system to be maintained, rather than being impacted by conflicting and competing state laws.