Learn from our distinguished speakers as they share their knowledge, research and insights into the health, welfare and behavior of pet birds and their wild cousins. Join us as we learn from these educated presenters at this one day event.
 

Branson Ritchie, DVM, PhD

Jean Pattison "African Queen"

Tim Sullivan

Peter S. Sakas, DVM

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Branson Ritchie, DVM, PhD
Emerging Diseases Research Group
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
Dr. Ritchie obtained his DVM from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 and his PhD in Medical Microbiology from the same institution in 1990. As a member of the multidiscipline Emerging Diseases Research Group at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ritchie has been involved in characterization of the PBFD virus, development of a DNA probe based assay for PBFD virus, development of the avian polyomavirus vaccine and development of DNA probe based assays to detect polyomavirus, adenovirus, and Pacheco’s disease virus. In conjunction with colleagues at LSU, the Emerging Diseases Research Group has developed and tested assays for detecting chlamydial nucleic acid in clinical samples and are involved with the LSU group in testing a vaccine to prevent chlamydiosis. Currently, the Research Group is working on characterization of the suspect PDD virus and testing subunit vaccines for PBFD virus and avian polyomavirus. The Group is also working in conjunction with colleagues at LSU and the University of Minnesota on an avian specific vaccine to prevent West Nile virus associated deaths. The Research Group has published more than 50 scientific publications on infectious diseases of companion birds and Dr. Ritchie has edited 2 textbooks; Avian Medicine: Principles and Application and Avian Viruses: Function and Control. In addition, Dr. Ritchie is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery.

Jean Pattison "African Queen"
Author, Artist and Breeder of African Species
Jean Pattison, known as "The African Queen", currently lives in Lakeland, Florida, where she and her husband Tim operate their breeding facility. In 1984 she acquired a pair of Senegals, from there her fascination with African parrots grew to include the African Grey, and then naturally more Poicephalus. Her studied observation of the Senegals taught her about behavior and social patterns that she was able to apply to other African parrots in her care. Through the years her collection has grown to over 100 pairs of African parrots, including an impressive collection of the Un-cape parrot. Jean was one of the founding members of the Florida Federation of Aviculture. Inc., as well as the Organization of Professional Aviculturists.

She has lectured at the national conference of The American Federation of Aviculture (AFA), and at AVES International in Australia, the Midwest Avian Research Expo, the Bird Clubs of Virginia national convention and many other national conventions and symposiums, and bird clubs throughout the United States. She is past President of the African Parrot Society, and has written for many of the major publications, such as Bird Talk, Birds USA, Bird Breeder, Pet Product News, and the AFA Watchbird. She has helped field researchers, and conservation groups, with her knowledge of the habits, and husbandry of the African Parrots. Authors have consulted with her when writing books on African Parrots, and she has co-authored a book, African Parrots, with Rick Jordan that is an overview of African parrots.

Visit www.afqueen.com  to learn more about Jean Pattison's birds and art work.

Tim Sullivan
Behavioral Husbandry Manager, Brookfield Zoo
Tim Sullivan has been at Brookfield Zoo for the last 26 years. He spent 16 years as a keeper at the Seven Seas Panorama training and caring for the Zoo's dolphins, walrus, sea lions and seals. In 1997, Tim was asked to develop an elephant protected-contact behavior management program in the Pachyderm department. In 1998, he was offered his present position as the Zoo's Behavioral Husbandry Manager. Tim's primary responsibility is to manage the animal training and environmental enrichment components of the Zoo's Behavioral Husbandry Program. Tim oversees the behavior of the Zoo's large and diverse animal collection- from aardvarks to zebras.

Tim is asked to consult on animal training at a variety of other zoological institutions and with domestic animals. He is active in international training organizations and has been an officer on the board of directors of both the Animal Behavior Management Alliance and the International Marine Animal Trainers Association.

Visit www.brookfieldzoo.org to learn about Brookfield Zoo's animals, including Cookie cockatoo, the oldest resident in the zoo.

Peter S. Sakas, DVM
Master of Ceremonies
Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center, Niles, IL
Dr. Peter S. Sakas received his BA in biology from Northwestern University in 1974, his MS in Zoology-Entomology from Auburn University in 1979 and DVM from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. While at Auburn, he studied the immune response of dogs with canine heartworm disease and developed a test for the detection of occult heartworm disease in dogs and cats. He served on the faculty at Auburn University as a lecture instructor in Animal Biology in 1979. Dr. Sakas has been involved in avian practice since 1980 when he began working summers as a student extern at Niles Animal Hospital ( Niles, IL) under the direction of the noted avian veterinarian Dr. T.J. Lafeber.

Dr. Sakas became a staff veterinarian upon graduation in 1983 and bought the practice in 1985. The hospital has a staff of over 35 employees, including four full time and one part time veterinarian. The hospital has a four year accreditation (the highest level) from the American Animal Hospital Association. He lectures frequently to veterinary associations, veterinary colleges, bird clubs, wildlife organizations and avicultural groups.

Dr. Sakas has written numerous articles related to avian medicine and pet bird care. He has authored the avian section of American Animal Hospital Association’s publication, Exotic Formulary. (A book of drug dosages for exotic pets). He is also the author of book, “Essentials of Avian Medicine. A Guide for Practitioners” second edition, also published by AAHA. He has contributed to other avian books as well. He has served (and is still serving) on the boards of several veterinary organizations and has held directorships for various humane and wildlife associations. He is on the advisory board for Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity at Northwestern University and is the editor of the alumni newsletter. He is active in various community activities, including serving as a Little League Manager for several years…..and still doing so.

Dr. Sakas is a co-founder of the Northern Illinois Parrot Society and will be the Master of Ceremonies for our seminar. Visit the Niles Animal Hospital & Bird Medical Center website at www.nilesanimalhospital.com for more information on Dr. Sakas.