Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)

Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) The Association of Avian Veterinarians was established in 1980.

The Association of Avian Veterinarians is an international professional organization of practitioners advancing and promoting avian medicine, stewardship, and conservation through education of its members, the veterinary community. The Association membership is comprised of veterinarians from private practice, zoos, universities and industry, as well as allied personnel, technicians and students.

Prior to 1987, Associate membership was open to all individuals with an interest in avian medicine. All Associate members, keeping their membership current, have been allowed to continue their membership in the Association.

06/19/2026

Even the birds are excited for the World Cup!

Enjoy this amazing video of a bald eagle joining in on a soccer practice in Canada in 2015.

As the USA branch of the AAV, we do have to be a little biased in which team we support, but we hope all players have a great time flexing their skills in the Cup!

Let us know which countries you're rooting for, and show us how you and your feathered friend are celebrating. We'd love to be tagged in any photos or videos of your bird enjoying the games⚽️🇺🇸🎉

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1KFpqdyZrU

Video Credits: The North Shore Football Club, Vancouver, March 23, 2015

Chronic Hypovitaminosis A in Parrots: A Preventable Welfare IssueBy Cecilia Bartels (c/o 2029 Shreiber School of Veterin...
06/18/2026

Chronic Hypovitaminosis A in Parrots: A Preventable Welfare Issue
By Cecilia Bartels (c/o 2029 Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine) and Anthony A. Pilny, DVM, DABVP

Few conditions in pet birds illustrate the connection between husbandry, health, and ethics as clearly as chronic hypovitaminosis A. Although it is medically well-described, vitamin A deficiency remains a common nutrition-related disorder seen in captive parrots and is largely preventable. For this reason, hypovitaminosis A provides a useful case study for thinking about the broader welfare implications of management decisions and the responsibility veterinarians have to advocate for evidence-based nutrition.

Changing a bird’s diet is rarely as simple as handing an owner a list of recommended foods. Parrots can be highly selective eaters, and many have been maintained on seed-based diets for years. Successful dietary transitions often require patience, creativity, and sustained support. Veterinarians may need to guide caregivers through gradual conversion strategies, discuss behavioral enrichment techniques that encourage food exploration, and emphasize the health benefits of long-term nutritional change.

For parrots with vitamin A deficiency, the path to better welfare often begins with a simple but powerful intervention of helping a caregiver understand what their bird truly needs to eat. Through thoughtful nutritional guidance and advocacy, veterinarians can transform a preventable disease into an opportunity for improved health, stronger human-animal relationships, and more informed stewardship of companion birds.

The following relevant AAV handouts are available at aav.org/birdownerbrochures:
1. Transitioning Pet Parrots Away from a Seed Diet
2. Foraging for Parrots

We also highly recommend you read the full aviculture blog. This is a very rich topic, and our veterinarians have created an amazing in-depth look into this deficiency!
https://www.aav.org/blogpost/2127750/519720/Chronic-Hypovitaminosis-A-in-Parrots-A-Preventable-Welfare-Issue

Save the date for this panel discussion on LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine! Saturday, October 24, 202612:00-2...
06/17/2026

Save the date for this panel discussion on LGBTQ+ Perspectives in Veterinary Medicine!

Saturday, October 24, 2026
12:00-2:00 PM EDT

More details and registration will be shared as we get closer to the event.


In a study looking at the effect of appetitive and consummatory foraging enrichment in grey parrots, no habituation or c...
06/16/2026

In a study looking at the effect of appetitive and consummatory foraging enrichment in grey parrots, no habituation or changes in motivation or use of the enrichment provided occurred during the 30-day observation period. The birds kept using the enrichment, even when it was no longer novel. However, other studies have shown that enrichment may lose its effect over time.

Learn more: Beekmans MHC, Vinke CM, Maijer A, et al. Increasing foraging times with appetitive and consummatory foraging enrichment in grey parrots (Psittacus Erithacus). Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2023;265:105986.

06/15/2026

The Red-crested Cardinal is more than just a bird; it is a living symbol of South America.

It's one of the most iconic species of the region, spanning from central Argentina to Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil.

⚠️ A call to awareness:
The Red-crested Cardinal is, unfortunately, a primary target of the illegal wildlife trade so we invite you to enjoy their melody in their natural habitat.


Take Your Skills to the Next Level with Hands-on Learning!The AAV Annual Conference is known for world-class scientific ...
06/14/2026

Take Your Skills to the Next Level with Hands-on Learning!

The AAV Annual Conference is known for world-class scientific sessions — but for many attendees, the hands-on workshops are the highlight of the week. These are small-group, instructor-led experiences designed to build practical skills you can take directly back to your patients.

This year's lineup covers seven topics across surgery, diagnostics, orthopedics, and more. Whether you're looking to sharpen a specific technique or explore a new area of practice, there's a workshop for you.

This year, we are adding some new and exciting material to the hands-on workshop, Surgical Procedures of the Beak and Skull! New, groundbreaking material on the development and application of synthetic prosthetics will be presented, led by Dr. Roberto Fecchio along with Dr. Brian Speer and Dr. Scott Echols. Participants will have one psittacine cadaver head and one non-psittacine head to work with and will be able to apply pre-printed prosthetics during the lab. (see more details below)

These workshops fill up fast. Enrollment is limited by design to keep sessions hands-on and instructor-focused. If a workshop is on your list, don't wait — register for the conference and secure your seat now.

https://www.aav.org/news/728968/Birds-of-a-Feather-Learn-Together-at-the-AAV-Conference--Expo.htm

The June issue of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery is now available! Be sure to take a look at the feature arti...
06/13/2026

The June issue of the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery is now available! Be sure to take a look at the feature article "The Use of Doramectin Reduces Respiratory Mite Associated Mortality in a Population of Gouldian Finches (Chloebia gouldiae)" in this issue.

View the Table of Contents and login to view articles at the link in our bio!

https://www.aav.org/news/728462/Journal-of-Avian-Medicine-and-Surgery---June-2026.htm

Blue and Gold Macaws in Captivity1. Blue and gold macaws are amazing birds, but are not recommended for beginner avicult...
06/12/2026

Blue and Gold Macaws in Captivity

1. Blue and gold macaws are amazing birds, but are not recommended for beginner aviculturists.
2. In captivity, macaws require high levels of mental stimulation, such as target and vocal training.
3. Before considering housing a macaw in captivity, be sure there is adequate space for ample exercise and flight!
4. Baby macaws are often much more subdued than their noisy adult counterparts - don’t be fooled by these darling downy cuties!

For more information, read our blog at:
https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1787676/519604/Big-and-Bold-Blue-and-Golds


Many captive parrots spend less than 1 hour per day foraging. However, multiple studies have shown that providing captiv...
06/09/2026

Many captive parrots spend less than 1 hour per day foraging. However, multiple studies have shown that providing captive parrots with foraging enrichment increased the time spent foraging to up to 2-3 hours per day. These improvements in foraging times have been seen in blue and gold macaws, Lear’s macaws, orange-winged Amazon parrots, golden parrakeets, red-tailed black cockatoos, and grey parrots!

AAV is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2026 Conference Scholarships! Sofia La Rocca, DVM, MScDeveloping Nation...
06/08/2026

AAV is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2026 Conference Scholarships!

Sofia La Rocca, DVM, MSc
Developing Nations Conference Scholarship

Sofia La Rocca, DVM, MSc is a Brazilian veterinarian dedicated to the clinical care and research of exotic and wild animals. Her work spans a wide range of taxa, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals, with a particular interest in anesthesia, analgesia, and critical care. In addition to her clinical work, she is engaged in scientific research and continuing education, contributing to the advancement of exotic animal medicine in regions where access to specialized knowledge remains limited.

Cecilia Bartels
Student Conference Scholarship

Cecilia Bartels is a first-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student at Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine with a strong interest in avian and exotic animal medicine. She currently works part-time as a veterinary technician at an avian and exotic animal practice in Philadelphia, where she assists in anesthesia, diagnostics, and client education for a variety of species, including companion birds. Cecilia is actively involved in advancing avian welfare, education, and research.

We look forward to meeting you and your colleagues at the conference this October!

Not registered yet? No problem! Visit https://www.aav.org/2026conference for more details


Address

Watkinsville, GA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+17204584111

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