The American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), part of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is currently inviting public and professional insights on the establishment of a new veterinary specialty focused on Clinical Wildlife Practice (CWP). This initiative is a collaboration with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) to address the unique health needs of wildlife in their natural environments.
In June 2023, the initiative to create a specialty in Clinical Wildlife Practice took a significant step forward when the organizing committee submitted a letter of intent to the ABVS. The proposal was subsequently approved at the ABVS’s March meeting. The proposed specialty aims to enhance the management and treatment of free-ranging wildlife, which is distinct from care provided to permanently captive or domesticated species. These wild animals often suffer health issues due to direct interactions with humans or altered landscapes, such as injuries, exposure to pollutants, contagious diseases, and conflicts with human activities.
Federal and state agencies depend on qualified veterinary professionals to manage these health issues effectively, adhering to required regulations that mandate specific veterinarian-of-record relationships and reporting protocols. Establishing a Recognized Veterinary Specialty (RVS) in ABVP-CWP would equip these agencies, along with the general public and veterinary general practitioners, to identify trained experts in wildlife medicine, ensuring that affected wildlife receives humane and optimal care.
The AVMA presently recognizes 22 specialty organizations encompassing 46 veterinary specialties, all adhering to the stringent guidelines detailed in the ABVS Policies and Procedures manual. The public is encouraged to review these guidelines to help inform their feedback on the proposed specialty in Clinical Wildlife Practice.
The consultation period is crucial for understanding the unique aspects of the proposed specialty compared to existing specialties and assessing the public demand and potential reception for this specialized veterinary service.
Comments on the proposal are welcome until July 31. Detailed information about the specialty’s objectives and instructions for submitting feedback can be found on the AVMA website. Please direct your comments and suggestions to [email protected] to contribute to this important discussion.
