M.A.P.
Model Avicultural Program
An Overview of MAP
The Model Aviculture Program was designed by aviculturist and avian veterinarians to improve avicultural practices through setting basic standards for avian husbandry. Applicants select a veterinarian to do the inspection and inform MAP. The veterinarian is sent the official NCR inspection form and preforms the inspection when the applicant sets up the appointment. MAP certification is provided for the individuals who meet MAP standards.
The MAP is not a private business, it is a non-profit service organization designed to be of benefit to aviculturists. The MAP Board is comprised of aviculturists experienced with a wide variety of bird species and avian veterinarians. The MAP Board of director guide the organization and generate polices under which the certification program is administered. In addition to the MAP Board, the organization is assisted by an Advisory Board of accomplished aviculturists and veterinarians from different geographical regions in the U.S.
The MAP Process
MAP applicants send a completed application with fee to the MAP office. The MAP office sends a numbered inspection form, and MAP Guide lines to the veterinarian. The applicant makes an appointment with the veterinarian. The veterinarian inspects the facilities, management and husbandry practices, and record keeping procedures. Applicants who pass the inspection are provided with a signed and numbered MAP certificate.
Planning MAP, January ,1985
In January 1985, the first meeting organized by aviculturists was held to discuss N.C.A.B.I.P. (National Cage and Aviary Bird Improvement Plan). It was determined that aviculturists should design a model improvement plan for aviculturists in the US and that would be beneficial to the birds while protecting the privacy of the individual aviculturist.
The Three Key Elements of MAP
The First key element in the Model Aviculture Program is the use of models for husbandry practices involving the areas of quarantine, safety systems, caging, nutrition, nursery and record keeping. Guidelines were designed to provide instruction on each area within the aviculturists facility.
The Second key element of MAP is the use of the veterinarian as inspector. The veterinarian imparts the authority of a state licensed professional to the MAP process, while maintaining the confidentiality of the aviculturist.
The Third key element of MAP is the utilization of the closed aviary concept. Avicultural facilities which use this concept have an effective means of disease control. The closed aviary concept provides the aviculturist with the means to secure and maintain flock health, to isolate and control disease outbreaks in flights or in the nursery, and thus reduce losses and achieve production goals. Applying the principles of the closed aviary concept to avicultural husbandry practices lays the foundation for a successful bird farm.
The Closed Aviary Concept
A complete understanding and correct application of the closed aviary concept is essential to the successful bird farm. Putting this concept in to practice requires defining separate areas within the facility, each with a distinct location. These areas are as follows:
Quarantine Area: The area where all new birds are housed for a period of time to determine their condition of health through observation and appropriate testing.
Breeding Area: Adult breeding stock are housed in species appropriate set ups so that production of eggs and young is enhanced.
Nursery Area: The nursery area is where the young are fed and raised when not being parent-raised. Nurseries may vary according to type of species being raised.
Isolation Area: An area where sick or injured birds can be kept apart from the breeding collection and the nursery. This area is must be separate from the quarantine area.
Food Storage and Supply Area: An area where food is stored and prepared. Planing of this area should be designed to control and monitor traffic flow of birds, feed, water bowls and service personal between each area for prevention and control of disease transmission.
The Veterinarians Role in MAP
The Model Aviculture Program provides for facilities inspections performed by state licensed veterinarian. The inspection process is placed in the hands of a veterinarian informed about avicultural husbandry practices and closed aviary concept for a unbiased inspection. Upon arrival at the facility, using the MAP guidelines the veterinarian observes the record keeping, husbandry practices and design of the aviary for closed aviary concept. The veterinarian fills out and signs the inspection form and sends a copy to MAP to be processed by the MAP staff.
A MAP for the Future of Aviculture in the US
MAP has been endorsed by the Board of Directors of the American Federation of Aviculture as a viable program for inspection and certification of aviculturists. MAP has the active support of several major zoos, including the San Diego Zoo, which only permits the sale of of surplus zoo birds to private individuals who are certified MAP participants. MAP was presented to the leadership of World Wildlife Fund who recognized MAP as a valuable program in the conservation of birds. MAP has been presented to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Management Authority as an organization designed to improve captive breeding of birds in the U.S. MAP has been presented to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a viable means of voluntary self regulation by the avicultural community. Australia and Canada are in the process of developing MAP programs for their countries based on the U.S. model.
The principles that apply to exotic bird breeding and care are the same, whether or not the facility is a room or a building or outdoor pens or flights. It is important to designate separate areas for separate functions, such as nursery, food preparation, etc. and following a plan regarding traffic flow between these separate areas so that potential disease contamination is avoided. It is important that specialized equipment used in the nursery be functioning correctly and that the aviculturist understand the equipment and how to monitor its performance. It is important that the aviculturist become knowledgeable about the avian species with which he/she is working. It is important that the aviculturist keep a breast of the latest developments in avian nutrition, avian diseases, and laws and regulations regarding exotic birds. MAP is designed to do its part in upgrading and maintaining good husbandry and record keeping practices by aviculturists and thus to promote the advancement of aviculture and to protect the interests of aviculturists in the United States.
Back to Blackstone Aviaries:
