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Veterinary Specialty Boards Reading Lists, Washington State University

Compiled reading lists designed to assist veterinary residents with preparation for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Recognized Specialty Veterinary Organizations (RSVOs) examinations.

American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) Reading List

This is only a convenience copy of the ACZM reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACZM reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACZM reading list.

This guide contains the list of books and journals recommended as study materials for the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) examination.

Residents are responsible for ensuring they are using the correct edition of a book for their exam.

Please ask your librarian, mentor, or specialty board examination committee if questions arise.

"The following list is provided to help guide veterinarians planning to study for the ACZM Board Examination. It is not a comprehensive listing of all available reference material; This list is intended to facilitate the candidates' search for the information as they gather materials and study the literature. Examination questions will primarily, though not exclusively, be created using information within the listed reading materials. Examination questions based upon journal articles will emphasize recent literature of the last five calendar years, although older references may also be included. It is recommended that candidates work with their ACZM diplomat mentor to prioritize study material within the references suggested."

Source:  ACZM Suggested Reading List.

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This resource updated: 6/12/2023

This is only a convenience copy of the ACZM reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACZM reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACZM reading list.

Core Reading Material

"May be used for Day 1 and Day 2 exam material for many disciplines."

Core Journals

Core Textbooks/Manuals

This is only a convenience copy of the ACZM reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACZM reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACZM reading list.

Additional Reading Materials

*In addition to Day 1 core reading materials. 

Note: The discipline each book or journal is recommended as study material for is noted with the book (aquatic, general zoo, wildlife, zoological companion animals).

Books

Journals

Appendix: Selected References for the Certifying Examination

Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (ZCA only)

Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (General Zoo only)

  • Anderson, K., et al. (2018). Causes of mortality in sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) housed in U.S. zoos. JZAR, 6(1), 12–15
  • Barrows, M., et al. (2017). Retrospective analysis of elective health examinations as preventative medicine interventions at a zoological collection. JZAR, 5(1), 25–32
  • Carbajal, A., et al. (2018). Effect of deslorelin implants on the testicular function in male ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta): Deslorelin effect in Lemur catta. JZAR, 6(2), 37–40
  • Clavadetscher, I., et al. (2021). Development of an image-based body condition score for giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis and a comparison of zoo-housed and free-ranging individuals. JZAR, 9(3), 170–185
  • Drake, G. J.-C., et al. (2017). Provision of ultraviolet basking lights to indoor housed tropical birds and their effect on suspected vitamin D3 deficiency. JZAR, 5(4), 151–157
  • Greene, W., et al. (2019). A Review of Asian and African Elephant Gastrointestinal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology: Elephant Gastrointestinal Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology. JZAR, 7(1), 1–14
  • Jensen, M., et al. (2021). Assessing the effects of biosecurity measures in terrarium management. JZAR, 9(3), 157–160
  • Ludwig, C., et al. (2019). Asymmetric reproductive aging in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) females in European zoos. JZAR, 7(2), 87–93
  • Perrin, K. L., et al. (2021). Quantification and risk factor analysis of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus-haemorrhagic disease fatalities in Asian elephants in Europe (1985-2017). JZAR, 9(1), 8–13
  • Segura-Cortijos C, et al. (2022). Mortality and morbidity in captive Livingstone’s fruit bats Pteropus livingstonii. JZAR, 10(3):149-57
  • Warsaw, D., & Sayers, J. (2020). The influence of animal welfare accreditation programmes on zoo visitor perceptions of the welfare of zoo animals. JZAR, 8(3), 188–193
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