Dear Colleague, On behalf of the European Committee of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Reptilian and Amhibian Veterinarians, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians and the European College of Zoological Medicine, represented by the Organizing Committee, I am honored and pleased to invite you to this unique conference on all aspects of exotic animal medicine and veterinary species conservation in April 2013. In recent years exotic animal and wildlife medicine has consistantly gained importance and developed quickly. Public interest in keeping exotic animals as pets has dramatically increased and the emotional bonding with those animals has reached the same level as for “traditional” pets (e.g. dogs and cats). In addition, species conservation awareness has become of public interest and it has been noted that any conservation project must fail if veterinary considerations are left out.
Last but not least human medical interests have expanded in the area of zoonotic research and it is now accepted that veterinary knowledge, particularly in wildlife medicine, is an important field in these studies. Consequently, veterinarians are increasingly confronted with many different aspects of exotic animal and wildlife medicine. This created the idea to form a conference on all aspects of exotic animal medicine the 1st International Conference on Avian, Herpetological and Exotic Mammal Medicine.  The conference will bring together specialists in the fields of avian, herpetological and exotic mammal medicine (e.g. rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets). Starting with a Basic Day, Master Classes and Practical Labs, the conference offers both, practical information for beginners in the field as well as for experienced veterinarians. This portion of the conference is followed by scientific sessions reporting the latest developments in the field, as well as providing case and experience reports for the practitioner. A main focus is veterinary species conservation as this affects all animal groups. This topic is introduced by an entertaining, unique presentation with a journey to the last individuals of their species, followed by presentations and discussions with European decision makers and lawyers. The conference is supplemented by a unique exhibition, where you can meet many companies active in veterinary medicine. Last but not least the social program of the conference offers many opportunities (excursion, field trips, entertainment) to meet colleagues and to discuss topics directly.
The conference will be held in Wiesbaden, the capital of the German state Hessen. Wiesbaden is one of the most attractive cities in Germany with pleasant weather, culture and fascinating buildings with his own free living psittacine population. The conference venue is the spectacular Rhein-Main-Hallen. Hotels are in direct walking distance, so participants have excellent opportunities to stay together and to bring their families to also make the conference stay an enjoyable family holiday. I am looking forward to meeting you in Wiesbaden for this unique opportunity. Prof. Dr. M. Lierz Chairman of the Organizing Committee