The American College of Poultry Veterinarians 

Founding of the College 

Following provisional approval of the ACPV by the American Board on Veterinary Specialties, and subsequent recognition of the College by the AVMA in 1991, four Founder and fifteen Charter Diplomates initiated operation of the College. The College received full accreditation from the AVMA in 1996. The college has been incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania and functions under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code.   

ACPV Vision 

The vision of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians is to define and set the gold standard in the veterinary specialty of poultry health and well-being.  

ACPV Mission 

The mission of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians is to establish standards and implement the specialty certification of veterinarians who attend to poultry health and well-being by oversight of training programs and credentials, preparation and administration of the certification exam, and support of continuing education for recertification, with accountability to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties.  

Objectives of the College 

The following objectives have guided development of the ACPV.   

  • To further educational and scientific progress in the specialty of poultry veterinary medicine. To strengthen and improve instruction in poultry veterinary medicine at both professional and post-graduate levels.  
  • To establish standards of post-professional training and experience for specialists in poultry veterinary medicine.   
  • To promote the professional standing of poultry veterinarians.   
  • To certify qualified and competent poultry veterinarians in aspects of veterinary medicine appropriate to breeders, broilers, commercial egg, and turkey production, and their ancillary disciplines. 

Categories of Membership 

There are four categories of membership in the College:   

  • Founder Diplomate   
  • Charter Diplomate   
  • Diplomate   
  • Emeritus Diplomate 

American College of Poultry Veterinarians Code of Ethics 

Revised July 2018 

Diplomates of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians have met rigorous requirements and examination to gain membership to the College. Exemplary professional conduct by the membership upholds the dignity of the College and the poultry veterinary profession. Conduct by Diplomates deemed as unprofessional is subject to investigation, possibly leading to a hearing resulting in dismissal of charges or disciplinary action up to and including cancellation of membership. 

Principles of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians Medical Ethics 

  1. A Diplomate shall be dedicated to providing competent poultry veterinary medical care with respect for poultry health, welfare, food safety, and public health. 
  2. A Diplomate shall provide veterinary care under the terms of a valid veterinarian-client- patient relationship. 
  3. A Diplomate shall uphold and adhere to laws and regulations appropriate to the jurisdiction. 
  4. A Diplomate shall be honest in all professional interactions and must report members of the college who are observed to be deficient in character or competence or who intentionally and/or knowingly violate laws and regulations. 
  5. A Diplomate shall respect the rights of clients and professionals to safeguard confidential information within the confines of the law.