More and more urban and suburban homes are now keeping small poultry flocks, mainly laying hens. Unfortunately, most veterinarians do not have poultry species as clients so are not able to help these people if a medical situation arises.

With avian veterinarians at Utah State University and MIchigan State University, along with the American Association of Avian Pathologists, I developed an online course for practicing veterinarians to introduce them to the idea of including poultry in their practice. I continue to coordinate this course. To date, 220 people have registered for the course, which is designed for the participants to work at their own pace. To date, 94 participants have completed the course along with the exit survey. There has been a major shift of interest in providing poultry veterinary care to most now having high to very high interest (64%, up from 39%). In addition, 72% now have a strong understanding of the veterinary needs of small flock owners and 47% have confidence in their ability to provide the necessary veterinary care (up from 11% before taking the course).