A veterinarian who specializes in the treatment of companion birds, birds of prey in nature reserves and zoos, and domesticated poultry is known as an avian veterinarian. There are no official university programs for obtaining a degree in avian medicine, however. Many veterinary organizations provide extensive coursework, mentoring, and internships for those interested in specializing in avian and exotic animal treatment and surgery.
Jobs as an avian veterinarian are frequently focused on the specific care of birds as well as the diseases that they contract. An ordinary veterinarian will often refuse to treat birds because they have an anatomy and other characteristics such as breeding habits and digestive systems that are very different from the typical animals that a veterinarian sees. Taking a bird to an avian veterinarian is often more expensive than taking a pet to a regular veterinarian. This is common among avian pet owners, who have likely paid a significant sum of money to obtain their bird in the first place. Avian veterinarians also perform surgery on birds and specialize in exotic species that are difficult to come by elsewhere.
Various organizations around the world offer certification for some avian veterinarian jobs. The American College of Poultry Veterinarians (ACPV) is a certifying board for veterinarians in the United States that requires an annual exam and an avian residency after completing standard veterinarian school. The Association of Avian Veterinarians is another group that supports avian veterinary medicine (AAV). The AAV offers continuing education courses, publishes scholarly articles in the Journal of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and hosts periodic conferences for avian veterinarians who are interested. The American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is an international organization that, while not a college, certifies avian veterinarians and specializes in animals that live in natural settings.
Because avian veterinarian responsibilities are highly specialized and costly, the training to become an avian veterinarian can be equally demanding. The AAV’s members are the most well-known in the field. Before becoming a member of the AAV, an avian veterinarian must have worked in the field of bird medicine for at least six years.
Avian medicine courses are also available at some veterinary hospitals. Only veterinarians with small animal experience and good recommendations are eligible for a 54-week training course offered by one program. It prepares veterinarians for board certification in a variety of fields, including neurology, ophthalmology, and radiation oncology. Other training specialties for the treatment of birds include radiology and cardiology. These programs certify an avian veterinarian in a variety of medical disciplines, including internal medicine, emergency care, and specialties such as ultrasonography, echocardiography, and soft tissue and orthopedic surgery for birds.