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MAP FAQ provided by CBS for informational purposes

Model Aviculture Program FAQ

1. May I have the veterinarian of my choice inspect my aviary?: Yes.
2. I live in a remote area, 60 miles from an avian veterinarian, can I use a local veterinarian who is good but generally sees cats and dogs?: Yes. Although it is strongly recommended that the inspecting veterinarian be an avian veterinarian, it is not required.
3. Do I have to have all the answers on the Inspection Form correct in order to be certified?: No, not at all. Passing inspection is based on percentages. The aim of the inspection is two-fold, to promote education about management of exotic birds, and to determine what improvements would be beneficial to each applicant's management practices. The two questions which must have a 'yes' answer are no. 8): Is there a safety door/aisle system in operation? And no. 26): Is there a functional record keeping system? Refer to guidelines for further information. If you still have questions, please call or write MAP and we will be happy to help.
4. How can I find out about avian veterinarians in my area?: MAP will provide a list of veterinarians in your area who are a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV). If there are none, select a well respected local veterinarian and ask them if they will perform the inspection for you.
5. How did MAP come to be?: In the early eighties the National Cage and Aviary Bird Improvement Plan was published and discussed across the US. Aviculturists in Northern California decided that they did not like the plan and started work on MAP, a plan designed by aviculturists for aviculturists. From 1984 through 1989 this group of bird breeders, joined by several avian veterinarians, worked to put together a voluntary non-government run plan for the certification of bird breeder's facilities and management practices. The plan had to be simple and effective. In addition to certification, the plan would provide information on bird care and management through quarterly publications and provide a high profile for breeders with good management practices so that they would find it easier to sell their birds. A higher quality healthy bird is the product of good management. For those selling to the pet industry or general public, certification provides a type of seal of approval. Certified participants who indicate they want to have publicity, will be part of a list of certified MAP participants publicized to the pet industry.
6. Did you have to register with the government?: No. The MAP Board designed MAP in order to reduce federal government involvement in aviculture, similar to the way the poultry industry has official associations which are government-approved, but not government administered.
7. I am a veterinarian; can I inspect me own aviaries?: No. That would be a direct conflict of interest. You must contract with another veterinarian to do it.
8. Where does the application money go?: At present the money is used to pay for Xerox copies, printed matter, inspection forms printed in triplicate, stamps, post office box rental, and hourly wages for secretarial work.
9. I don't have suspended flights. Can I still pass a MAP inspection?: Whether you have suspended flights, small breeding cages, or walk-in aviaries, you can still pass a MAP inspection because the inspection is not based on the types of caging; it is based on management and record-keeping.

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