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American Federation of Aviculture

American Federation of Aviculture, Inc.
Founded 1974
Type Educational Organization
Focus Birds, Parrots, Behavior Consultants, Animal Trainers, Conservationists, Veterinarians, Pet Industry, Animal Researchers, Pet Owners, and Breeders
Location
Area served
United States, Worldwide
Method Conferences, Publications
Key people
Nancy Speed, President
Website www.afabirds.org

The American Federation of Aviculture, Inc. (AFA) is a national organization dedicated to aviculture, whose purpose is to educate the public and assist members regarding best practices for keeping and living with exotic birds. Local affiliate bird clubs throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, along with national and international specialty organizations; comprise the Federation. The American Federation of Aviculture is registered as a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization, with a business office located in Austin, Texas.

AFA members work to promote responsible breeding and care of birds. The volunteer organization provides assistance and resources to all people involved with companion birds including breeders, owners, researchers, vets and rescue organizations. AFA members actively support research projects designed to make life better for parrots in their native habitats.

The AFA was formed in 1974 after government officials decided to euthanize flocks of exotic parrots in an effort to eradicate instances of avian diseases. As part of the State of California's effort to curb an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease, the USDA confiscated and euthanized sick birds, along with "thousands of healthy birds," while proposing legislation to ban private ownership of avian pets. The AFA was incorporated in California as the overall entity to represent bird clubs whose members wanted to protection for their birds.

The AFA members are divided into eleven regions, segmented geographically. The areas are:

The American Federation of Aviculture holds an annual convention in a different region of the United States each year. In 2014, AFA will host its 40th convention in Portland, Oregon. Invited speakers present on a wide range of topics dealing with aviculture. In the past, renowned researchers such as Dr. Donald Brightsmith, Director of the Tambopata Macaw Project/Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, and Mark Hagen,M.Ag., Research Director for the Hagen Avicultural Research Institute of the Rolf C. Hagen Group, have presented at the conventions.

The American Federation of Aviculture publishes the AFA Watchbird for members. The Watchbird is a three-time winner of the Printing and Imaging Association of MidAmerica (PIA) Graphics Excellence Award (graphex). The Watchbird awards were for "Best of Category" in color magazine series.


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