Avian and Exotic Service

Out of an abundance of caution due to confirmed HPAI (bird flu) cases in the state of Alabama and resultant directives by state officials, until further notice the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and Auburn Raptor Center will not accept any sick or injured wild birds for treatment. Precautions are being taken to protect resident and patient raptors currently housed at the center, with educational programming and scheduled tours continuing as planned.

Please do not touch or attempt to move injured, deceased or sick wild birds and do not transport the animal for treatment. In the event you or someone you know locates a deceased, injured or sick bird of any species, contact the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3469 for additional information. It is very important that the wild bird not be removed from the location at which it is found to limit the potential spread of HPAI.

Additional information about HPAI in Alabama and the current national situation can be found on the ADCNR or CDC websites.

Dr. Oster and assistant treating a bird

The Wilford & Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital, through the Auburn University Veterinary Clinic, offers an Exotic Service. Veterinary clinicians and senior-level veterinary students, in conjunction with specialty services throughout the hospital, offer wellness care, diagnostics, medical/surgical treatments, and emergency care for companion exotic animals.

Types of Patients Accepted

Birds

  • Companion  
  • Permitted Raptors     
  • Poultry                                       

Non-Venomous Reptiles  

  • Geckos
  • Lizards
  • Snakes
  • Turtles/Tortoises

Exotic Mammals

  • Chinchillas                                   
  • Hedgehogs
  • Ferrets                                         
  • Rabbits
  • Gerbils                                         
  • Sugar Gliders
  • Hamsters

Please call our front desk staff, at (334) 844-9966, to ask about other pet and permitted wildlife species we may see.

Appointments

The Exotic Service sees appointments Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Please call our front desk staff to schedule an appointment for your pet. If your pet has previously been seen by another veterinarian, please have these records emailed to us at avian@vetmed.auburn.edu.

Meet the Team

Dr. Oster

Seth Oster, DVM

Marcia Gannon provides nursing care for the exotics service. She has been with the service since its inception. Marcia’s background includes medicine in primarily sea turtle and marine mammals, exotics, and raptors. Marcia is a member of The Association of Avian Veterinarians, Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians, and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians.