PAC was established in 1994. In the same year PAC elected a committee of industry professionals and senior aviculturists that created detailed guidelines for a Model Aviculture Program (MAP) specific to the Canadian environment, based on veterinary aviary inspection. In 2006 & 2007 this program was significantly enhanced to take advantage of modern technology and the name was changed (CMAP) to differentiate it from the USA version.

CMAP is specifically intended to provide the basis whereby an aviary is veterinarian inspected in order to certify that it is capable of compliance with high standards of avian care and facility operation as documented in the guidelines. Re-inspection is periodically required to maintain a current accreditation status. CMAP accreditation is available to current members of PAC or of a club or society affiliated with PAC. PAC membership is available for approximately $35.00 per year.

CMAP provides three levels of aviary certification. Level 1 (General) is well within reach of most interested parrot breeders. It is expected that all interested aviculturists can attain Level 1 accreditation. One of the objectives of PAC is to provide recognition of excellence in aviculture. To assist in this endeavour, CMAP provides guidelines for two further levels of accreditation - Level 2 (Advanced) and Level 3 (Master). A self-regulatory veterinary aviary inspection program like CMAP allows for aviculturists to be seen as caring, dedicated, responsible and organized individuals. While aviculturists house many different species of birds, PAC s focus is on parrots. PAC (through CMAP) wishes to improve parrot husbandry in the breeder environment as well as bird care in the pet industry and the home environment.

For the general level of accreditation, all licensed Canadian veterinarians may conduct the inspection using the detailed CMAP guidelines. A certified avian veterinarian is required for Levels 2 and 3 inspections. CMAP involves aviary accreditation only. No information other than the questions on the application & veterinary inspection forms is collected. CMAP inspection ensures complete confidentiality. No data of number, species, breeding success or any other related information is to be collected.

Goals of the Canadian Model Aviculture Program

Standardized aviary care for parrots

Promotion of healthy domestic bred parrots

Increased public awareness of aviculture

Framework for improvements in avicultural husbandry

Self administered regulations for aviculturalists

CMAP accredited aviaries show leadership and an united stance

Official recognition by governmental agencies

Respectability for aviculture through CMAP veterinary inspections

Genetic conservation through cooperative breeding programs with government endorsement

Guidelines Summary

The following areas of concern are addressed:

The use of quarantine and bio security procedures to protect not only the existing collection, but also any newcomers to the collection through proper isolation, servicing, sanitation, and testing.

Identification System for individuals and sex determination.

The well-being of your flock through proper facility considerations including vermin control,  housing, sanitation and handling procedures.

A humane environment through proper temperatures, humidity, air quality and lighting.

Good health of the flock through proper diet, food storage, food and water placement and cleaning  procedures.

All aspects of paediatrics including sanitation, prevention of disease transmission, thermal support, proper use and handling of hand feeding formulas, growth records of the young, identification of the young, and education to new owners/customers in regards to husbandry, health, and other aspects of care for their new bird.

All aspects of record keeping, from quarantine, disease testing, babies to selling chicks or adult birds.

CMAP Accreditation Process

1. Current PAC members may request an information package containing the CMAP application form and a book, which contains detailed inspection guidelines. The applicant can then study the guidelines and upgrade the aviary as necessary in preparation for inspection. There is a $35.00 non-refundable administration fee.

2. Inspections are to be carried out by a licensed veterinarian selected by the applicant. The entire cost of the veterinarian's service is the sole responsibility of the applicant. The applicant will arrange a suitable date for inspection with the veterinarian and provide the veterinarian with the book* containing the detailed guidelines in preparation for inspection at least 48 hours prior to inspection.

3. The applicant will return the completed application form to the CMAP coordinator (address shown on reverse) once the aviary is ready for inspection. Upon receipt of the completed CMAP application form and verification by the CMAP coordinator that the applicant's membership in PAC or in an affiliated club is current the inspection form will be forwarded to the veterinarian via registered mail.

4. The veterinarian conducts the aviary inspection and signs the completed inspection form. The applicant is given one copy, the veterinarian keeps one copy, and the original copy is mailed back to the CMAP coordinator.

5. CMAP scores the completed aviary inspection form and issues a final report to both veterinarian and applicant, possibly with comments if accreditation is not achieved. In that case, the applicant will be allowed a further 90 days to correct specific areas of concern and have them re-inspected by the veterinarian. The veterinarian will be issued a new inspection form to be completed only for the areas of concern.

6. CMAP mails a certificate to the accredited aviary with the aviary's individual CMAP reference number.

7. Accredited aviaries will be listed on PAC s web site for the information of the general public. The only information provided will be the aviary's CMAP accreditation status. Confidentiality is an essential feature of CMAP. Information will be removed upon expiration of certification.

8. CMAP accreditation requires re-inspection periodically to maintain a current accreditation status. It is the applicant's responsibility to keep the aviary s accreditation status current.