What is the AFA?

The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) is a nonprofit national organization established in 1974, whose purpose is to represent all aspects of aviculture and to educate the public about keeping and breeding birds in captivity.

AFA has a membership consisting of bird breeders, pet bird owners, avian veterinarians, pet/bird store owners, bird product manufacturers, and other people interested in the future of aviculture.

AFA defines anyone keeping exotic birds in captivity as an "aviculturist" but AFA advocates that this designation carries with it certain responsibilities transcending those of the owners of domesticated pets like dogs and cats.

AFA believes holders of exotic birds need to be aware of the special needs of the species they hold, be aware of their conservation status, up-to-date research findings enhancing the well-being of the birds, and the state and federal regulations pertaining to exotic birds.

AFA has been identified as the nation's grass roots organization of bird breeders by the U.S. Congress's Office of Technology and Assessment.
 

AFA History

During an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease in California, in the early 1970's, thousands of perfectly healthy exotic birds in private collections were euthanized by the USDA if even one bird in the collection was suspected of being exposed to the disease. As a result of the outbreak State of California proposed legislation that would narrowly restrict or ban the ownership of exotic birds was introduced. This proposed legislation to restrict private ownership was the catalyst that brought many Southern California bird owners and clubs together to form the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF AVICULTURE in March of 1974 to serve as an avicultural umbrella organization.

The AFA is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization incorporated in the state of California, (business office located in Austin, TX) with a membership base of individual members both nationwide and worldwide. The AFA is also a federation, comprised of numerous affiliated bird clubs and organizations representing thousands of aviculturists.

The AFA is dedicated to the promotion of aviculture and the conservation of Avian Wildlife through the encouragement of captive breeding programs, scientific research and the education of the general public. To promote the interests of aviculture , the AFA works to educate legislators within the U.S.A. The AFA also represents the avicultural community at CITES meetings.
 

What is the Mission and Purpose of the AFA?

The mission and purpose of AFA is promote the advancement of aviculture through educational programs that enable better husbandry, management, and living conditions for exotic birds; promote avian research and conservation of exotic birds; keep our members aware of legislative issues that affect aviculture and aviculturists and keep legislators aware of the need for fair and equitable regulations.

The goal of AFA is to insure long-term, self-sustaining populations of exotic birds both in captivity and in the wild.
 

What are AFA's educational tools?

• AFA publishes an educational journal called the Watchbird, long recognized as the premier journal of its type;

• AFA conducts an Annual Convention including a 3- to 4-day-long series of lectures by world authorities and experts on the husbandry, health and conservation status of exotic birds in captivity and in the wild;

• AFA, from time-to-time, publishes special publications addressing timely issues e.g. "A Portfolio of Endangered Species", "Birds in the Classroom", and other publications;

• AFA has implemented a course to train beginning aviculturists called the "Fundamentals of Aviculture".

How does AFA contribute to research and conservation?

• AFA has a history of directly funding medical and husbandry research as well as conservation projects designed to better manage and save endangered species in the wild;

• AFA promotes population management and cooperative breeding programs to insure the long-term survival, health, and genetic diversity of birds in captivity;

• Aviculture indirectly contributes to conservation of wild populations by providing a supply of healthy pet birds replacing the need to harvest exotic birds from the wild for this purpose;

• AFA is a formally recognized Non-Government Organization (NGO) allowed to participate in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

What is the nature of AFA's legislative awareness program?

• AFA's legislative program addresses National, State, Local, and International levels of legislative issues through a Board-appointed Legislative Vice-President. AFA has not initiated legislation, nor do we function as a lobby organization.

• At the National level, AFA: Monitors proposed laws originating from Congress and proposed regulations originating from federal agencies which may affect aviculture;

• AFA then informs bird owners and breeders about impending laws or regulations; presents appropriate educational materials to government officials regarding the effects of the proposed laws and regulations on aviculture; and maintains contact with other animal organization watchdogs like the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC).

• At the State level, AFA provides guidance and information to bird owners, bird breeders, and bird organizations when they are faced with proposed state laws and regulations.

• At the Local level, the AFA has produced "The Bird Keepers Legislative Handbook" to assist bird owners with local, county, or state regulatory matters.

• At the International level, AFA maintains an NGO presence on the CITES Animals Committee which includes monitoring CITES proposals for their eventual effect on private aviculture in the U.S.

• For more information on current legislative issues, click here.