Date

Regulatory Analysis and Development,
PPD, APHIS, Station 3C71,
4700 River Road Unit 118,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238

Re: Docket No. 98-106-4

Dear Honorable Secretary of Agriculture,

I am writing to express my concern that AWA licensing will have a negative 
effect on aviculture. Bird keeping and breeding is vastly different from 
the keeping and breeding of animals that are currently regulated under the 
AWA. Birds should be exempt from regulation under the AWA.

I keep birds to preserve species as a safeguard against extinction or 
extirpation in their home range. I am not alone in this endeavor. Many 
aviculturists share the same concern and passion for preserving avian 
biodiversity. Many wild populations of birds are threatened or endangered 
due to habitat loss, environmental degradation, persecution as pests, and 
political instability. Private sector American aviculturists have 
demonstrated a high degree of success at reproducing birds in 
captivity. Private aviculturists promote an increase in public awareness 
though exhibition, education, and pet ownership. Revenue from the sale of 
birds as pets or breeders provides the necessary funding to run private 
enterprise preservation efforts. Public and zoological institutions 
admittedly do not have the space or resources to maintain genetically 
diverse populations of all avian species which may need avicultural support 
as insurance against an uncertain future. Only through the dedication of 
the private sector will there be adequate space and incentive to maintain 
adequate populations of many species of birds to ensure and preserve avian 
biodiversity for future generations.

I would also like to express my support for the National Avian Welfare 
Alliance (NAWA) proposal.

Sincerely,

Sign
City, State

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