Dear AAV Member,

Recently, the United Egg Producers, in joint cooperation with the Humane Society of the United States, has proposed legislation at the federal level which would phase out conventional battery caging systems for laying hens. Eventually, the conventional caging currently used would be replaced by enriched caging, which not only allows more room per bird, but also furnishes perches, dust bathing and the opportunity to participate in other natural behaviors.

Within the past week, the AVMA has made a formal position supporting the passage of this legislation. The American Association of Avian Pathologists (the association composed of poultry veterinarians) has also supported the legislation. The AAV would like to know your opinion on this matter, specifically if our association should formally support AVMA’s position and the underlying science which supports it.

Please take a moment to participate in our survey: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/825879/Member-Survey-Re-United-Egg-Producers-Humane-Society-of-the-United-States-Legislation (copy and paste link)

It begins with the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee’s analysis of the proposal and its recommendation to AVMA’s Executive Board to support. The science behind the decision is thoroughly referenced. If you require more information, please contact the AAV office and AAV staff will provide the information which is available.

The survey will close on February 27, 2012.

Thank you for your time in this important issue.
Association of Avian Veterinarians

Please join us April 12-15th, 2012, for the 17th Annual ABVP Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. This comprehensive scientific program provides veterinarians with cutting edge information by top speakers in the fields of Canine, Feline, Avian, Bovine, Equine, Exotic Companion Mammal and Reptile and Amphibian practice. We also have a track dedicated to technicians made possible by our partnership with The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice. The technician track will offer speakers in Avian/Exotic, Canine/Feline and Production Animal.

Up to 22 hours of species-specific CE is provided Thursday through Sunday. Up to sixteen hours of species specific CE will be provided from Friday through Sunday. An additional four-six hours of CE can be obtained by attending the ABVP/AAHA Kick-Off Seminar. Registration can be completed online at www.abvp.com.

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!

There appears to be a problem with the use of injectible adequan in birds. Massive acute hemorrhage, usually but not necessarily at the injection site, has caused death of several birds in the last few years. There are no lot number trends. Several species have been affected, including psittacines, raptors and hornbills. Some have recieved multiple doses and some just one dose. We are still crunching numbers on pre-existing diseases. This may not be a good drug for birds.

As in previous years, the American College of Zoological Medicine’s Education Committee will sponsor a 1-day ultra-short course in conjunction with the Association of Avian Veterinarians 2012 Conference. The annual conference will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, August 11th -15th, 2012. The ACZM Ultra-short Course will be held on Saturday, August 11th, from 9 am to 6 pm.

See this page for full details: http://www.aav.org/resources/?content=ceCources

Would you like to be involved with the AAV? Do you feel strongly about avian research? Do you like to network and have fun? Do you want to feel a sense of great accomplishment? If yes, please follow the link below for full details on how to apply.

http://www.aav.org/pdf/AuctionCoordinatorInformation.pdf

We have a new and improved renewal system this year! When you receive your renewal form, you'll find a Web ID# on your contact label. You'll be able to use this online to quickly and easily update your information and renew your membership. If you do not receive your renewal form by mail by January 1, you may call or email the association office to obtain this ID#. Thank you for your patience as we update our procedures. No late fees will be associated with renewals.

Following is the link to renew your membership online after you receive your form and web ID#.
Online Renewal Form: https://frost.he.net/~confofc/aav/membership/memberapp.html

This is a great way to get company exposure to over 2,000 subscribers!
Advertising is available in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the AAV Newsletter. We also accept classifieds and new product releases.

Please visit the following page for full details:
http://www.aav.org/pdf/AdRates2012.pdf

This is a great way to get company exposure to over 2,000 subscribers! Advertising is available in the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery and the AAV Newsletter. We also accept classified ads and new product releases.

Questions may be directed to Caitlin at office@aav.org or by calling 303-756-8380.

In memoriam: On Thursday, October 13, 2011 Donald Zantop, DVM, passed away while diving in North Carolina with his daughter and friends. He left behind his wife Suzanne and his daughter Tia. Dr. Zantop was a long time member of AAV and dedicated much of his time to the association. He served as President from 2002-2003 and spent many years as an active board member and valued conference speaker. Numerous AAV members expanded their knowledge of avian practice because of externships served with Dr. Zantop and he will be missed by many. Condolences may be sent to: Fallston Veterinary Clinic, 2615 Belair Rd., Fallston, MD 21047.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to be sent to the AAV Research Fund, 90 Madison Street, Suite 403, Denver, Colorado, 80206 or follow this link to donate online: https://www.vin.com/donate/aav

A full article on Dr. Zantop’s unfortunate accident may be
found here:

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-20/news/bs-md-ob-donald-zantop-20111020_1_veterinary-practice-veterinarian-veterinary-career