The American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) is currently seeking public comments on two proposed veterinary specialties: acupuncture and embryo transfer. Comments are being accepted through August 12, giving veterinary professionals an opportunity to weigh in on these potential additions to the field.
Acupuncture as a Proposed Specialty
According to the American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture (ABVA) organizing committee, an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 veterinarians in the United States have completed acupuncture certification through one of six organizations, including Chi University, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and CuraCore. The majority of these practitioners (approximately 80%) work primarily with small animals, while 10-20% treat equine patients, and a smaller percentage work with farm animals, exotics, and zoo animals.
The ABVA committee emphasizes that acupuncture enhances outcomes in several veterinary specialties “due to its established role in managing pain, aiding in cancer care and treatment and improving performance, neurorecovery, fertility and quality of life.”
This isn’t the first attempt to establish acupuncture as a veterinary specialty. In 2016, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) applied for recognition but was denied after the ABVS found “a lack of scientific basis for such a specialty, among other issues.”
Embryo Transfer as a Proposed Specialty
The American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) organizing committee describes this reproductive technology as “a unique and specialized field in veterinary medicine” requiring extensive training and technical skills. The AETA is already recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to certify individuals and companies for embryo exports.
To gain AETA certification, professionals must pass an examination, demonstrate experience, participate in continuing education, and adhere to regulations established by AETA, the International Embryo Technology Society, and the USDA.
The committee notes the significant clinical applications across multiple species, citing that in 2023 alone, there were 565,111 bovine embryos transferred in the United States, along with 14,619 ovine transfers and 12,178 caprine transfers.
Public Comment Period and Evaluation Process
The AVMA is seeking comments on both proposals through August 12. According to the ABVS guidelines, the primary purpose of public comment is to evaluate both the distinctiveness of the proposed specialties from current recognized veterinary specialties and the public need for these specializations.
Currently, the AVMA recognizes 22 specialty organizations and 46 specialties. All comments should be emailed to ABVS@avma.org with specific subject lines for each proposal: “Public comment – Acupuncture Specialty” or “Public comment – Embryo Transfer Specialty.”
This comment period represents an important opportunity for veterinary professionals to contribute to the evolution of formal specialization within the profession as these fields seek official recognition.
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Source: https://www.avma.org/news/two-proposed-veterinary-specialties-under-consideration-acupuncture-embryo-transfer