Online Avian Medicine Course for Veterinarians Targeting Small Poultry Producers to Ensure Early Disease Detection for Animal/Public Health

There is a growing demand for veterinary services by those keeping chickens in their backyard or raising small commercial flocks. With the revisions to the Veterinary Feed Directive, the medications that were previously available over the counter to small and backyard flocks now require a veterinarian’s prescription. Having veterinarians trained in basic poultry medicine can provide early detection of diseases of importance to animal and public health. Most veterinarians, especially those working with companion animals in urban areas, have little to no poultry experience and are not comfortable dealing with small and backyard flock owners. The objective of this project is to develop an online course for veterinarians who are willing to consider adding small and backyard flock owners to their clientele. These flock owners may already be clients, and having the veterinarian address the needs of their flocks would be very beneficial. It would also keep small and backyard flock owners from inappropriately using medications off-label to treat their birds, resulting in a food safety issue.