Systems they have developed to accomplish health and production may vary. MAP does not require that all systems be identical, but rather that the system in place in each aviary is working well. MAP is supervised by a nine member Board of Directors consisting of five aviculturists and four avian veterinarians who meet bi-annually to review the work of MAP and revise the guidelines or initiate other changes as needed. Routinely, board members respond to questions from the avicultural community, present slide programs on MAP and the avian veterinarians advise veterinarians who may have questions regarding the inspection process. One clerical worker prepares the materials to be mailed to applicants and to participants.
Individuals write, call or fax a request for information regarding the program.
They are sent a set of MAP Guidelines and instructions on how to prepare for an inspection. The applicant is sent a numbered inspection form in triplicate, along with a letter indicating that the next step is to schedule a visit by their veterinarian. The veterinarian inspects the facility, including breeding aviaries, nursery, record-keeping system, food service system, quarantine area and hospital or isolation area. After completing the inspection form, the veterinarian returns it to the MAP office where it is processed by staff. Questions are weighted and qualification for certification depends upon achieving enough points to indicate that basic standards are being met.