The public comment period is open for two new veterinary specialties currently being considered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) is being petitioned to recognize the American College of Animal Welfare. In addition, the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists has petitioned the ABVS to recognize a new parasitology specialty. Public comments help the ABVS make a determination about the need for and impact of any new specialty.

Comments on the proposed American College of Animal Welfare and parasitology specialties must be signed and received no later than Nov. 1, 2010. They should be sent to David Banasiak, AVMA Education and Research Division, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360, and comments can also be sent via e-mail to DBanasiak@avma.org.

The AVMA currently recognizes 20 veterinary specialty organizations. The American College of Veterinary Microbiologists petition indicates that the 200 members of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists would be a source of potential diplomates if the new parasitology specialty were approved. The American College of Animal Welfare organizing committee estimates that 50 veterinarians will sit for the certification examination within three years of approval of the animal welfare specialty.

For any other information about veterinary medicine, please visit www.avma.org. For a complete list of veterinary specialists, visit https://www.avma.org/reference/marketstats/vetspec.asp