AVMA Convention 2026 Opens with Focus on AI, One Health and Veterinary Innovation

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention 2026 officially opened at Anaheim, US this Friday, welcoming thousands of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, researchers, students, educators and animal health industry professionals from across the United States and around the world.

Recognized as one of the world’s largest veterinary gatherings, the five-day convention provides a platform for scientific learning, clinical training, professional networking and discussions on the future of veterinary medicine.

700 CE Programmes

This year’s scientific programme reflects the rapidly evolving role of veterinarians in protecting both animal and public health. Organizers have scheduled more than 700 continuing education (CE) sessions, covering a broad range of clinical, research and practice management topics.

Artificial intelligence moves into mainstream veterinary practice

Artificial intelligence (AI) is among the major themes of the 2026 convention. Sessions will examine how AI is being integrated into diagnostic imaging, medical record analysis, clinical decision support, workflow automation and practice management.

Experts are also expected to discuss responsible implementation of AI, including data quality, ethical considerations and maintaining clinical oversight while using emerging technologies.

Companion animal cancer care continues to advance

Companion animal oncology remains another major area of focus as cancer diagnosis and treatment options continue to expand for dogs and cats.

Conference presentations are exploring advances in early detection, precision diagnostics, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and supportive care aimed at improving survival rates and quality of life for companion animals.

Strong emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship

With antimicrobial resistance remaining a global concern, the convention is highlighting responsible antibiotic use across companion animal, livestock and equine practice.

Sessions are expected to focus on evidence-based prescribing, infection prevention, diagnostic testing and strategies to preserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial medicines while protecting animal and public health.

One Health and emerging infectious diseases remain priorities

The One Health approach—recognizing the close connection between human, animal and environmental health—continues to be a central theme throughout the meeting.

Experts are discussing surveillance, preparedness and response strategies for emerging infectious diseases, including zoonotic pathogens that can spread between animals and humans. Climate change, wildlife health and global disease monitoring are also featured in scientific discussions.

Supporting the veterinary workforce

Mental health and workforce wellbeing continue to receive significant attention at AVMA Convention 2026.

Educational sessions are addressing burnout, workplace culture, leadership development, staff retention and strategies to improve work-life balance across veterinary practices, reflecting growing recognition of the pressures facing veterinary professionals.

Innovation across diagnostics and livestock medicine

Diagnostic innovation is another major area of interest, with presentations covering advances in molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, imaging technologies and laboratory medicine designed to improve clinical decision-making.

Livestock medicine also features prominently, with sessions focusing on herd health management, disease prevention, biosecurity, production efficiency and sustainable animal agriculture.

A global platform for veterinary education

With more than 700 continuing education sessions scheduled over five days, the AVMA Convention 2026 remains one of the largest professional development events for veterinarians worldwide. The programme offers attendees opportunities to update their clinical knowledge, explore new technologies and discuss emerging challenges affecting companion animals, livestock, equine practice and public health.

As veterinary medicine continues to evolve alongside advances in technology and biomedical research, this year’s convention is expected to shape discussions on the profession’s future while reinforcing the importance of science-based, collaborative approaches to animal healthcare.