FIAVE: Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos

FIAVE stands for the Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos, the regional federation that unites national equine veterinary associations from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. FIAVE coordinates education, scientific exchange, and professional collaboration across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.

Since its official founding in December 2018, FIAVE has grown into an influential network that coordinates congresses, training, working groups, and cross-border initiatives. 

What Is FIAVE?

FIAVE is the umbrella federation for equine veterinary associations in Iberoamerica. It connects national organisations, promotes shared standards, organises regional summits and training, and represents Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking equine veterinarians internationally.

FIAVE History & Foundation

FIAVE was formally established in December 2018 to create a unified Iberoamerican counterpart to Europe’s FEEVA.

On 1 December 2018 in Málaga, Spain, during the I Cumbre Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos, the representatives from Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain signed the founding act. 

At that time, additional associations from Costa Rica, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, and Portugal participated (some via videoconference) to lay the federation’s constitutional statutes and commitments.

By the II Cumbre (Buenos Aires, 12 June 2019), the first General Assembly was held, and more countries formally joined. 

The founders envisioned FIAVE as a counterpart in Iberoamerica to FEEVA in Europe.

FIAVE’s Role in Global Equine Veterinary Medicine

FIAVE acts as the central coordinating body for Iberoamerican equine veterinary associations, similar in scope to FEEVA in Europe.

Through collaboration with organisations such as WEVA and national equine associations worldwide, FIAVE helps align regional practice with international standards in equine health, welfare, and education.

Mission & Core Objectives

FIAVE’s mission is to strengthen equine veterinary practice across the Iberoamerican region by fostering cooperation, raising standards, and leveraging shared resources. Some of its key objectives are:

• Continuous education & training: including webinars, workshops, and “Charlas FIAVE” sessions covering topics like equine welfare, diagnostics, and best practices. 
• Creation of a scientific Iberoamerican journal: to disseminate research across member countries.
• Exchange and internships: facilitating professional exchanges and internships among member associations. 
• Promotion of welfare and regulatory harmonization: working towards common protocols on equine health, drug use, pre-purchase exam standards, and welfare.
• Support for emerging associations: helping countries without strong equine vet organisations to develop one. 

Structure, Membership & Governance

FIAVE is governed by a Board of Directors elected by member associations during its Cumbres Iberoamericanas. The structure includes a Presidency, Vice Presidency, Secretariat, and Treasury, ensuring representation across multiple countries.

Member associations in FIAVE include Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal and others. 

FIAVE also organises Cumbres Iberoamericanas (summits) every few years. The VII Cumbre was held in September 2024 in Panama City, and the VIII Cumbre was held in Asunción, Paraguay (4 September 2025). 

Programs & Activities

Webinars & Training (Formación FIAVE)

FIAVE runs a recurring series of webinars, known as “Charlas FIAVE,” covering subjects like pre-purchase radiographic findings, equine welfare status in Iberoamerica, and more. 

Scientific Summits & Assemblies

The Cumbres serve as major gatherings where member associations meet, present scientific research, update statutes, and strategize regional direction. 

Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration

Through internships, cross-visits, and shared protocol development, FIAVE fosters synergy among member associations. 

Member Benefits

• Member associations often allow cross-registration at equal rates for FIAVE-associated events.
• Access to FIAVE’s library, news feed, and resources on its website.
• Opportunity to influence regional policy on equine health, drug regulation, welfare, and standardization.

Why FIAVE Matters to Spanish Speaking Equine Veterinarians

1. Regional unity: FIAVE provides a network for Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking equine vet associations to collaborate in a cultural and linguistic context.
2. Shared resources: Smaller associations benefit by pooling educational, scientific, and advocacy resources.
3. Access to training & events: Through FIAVE, equine vets in Latin America gain access to regional-level CPD, congresses, and webinars.
4. Global alignment: FIAVE’s work helps align Latin American practices with global standards and fosters cross-continental relationships (e.g., with BEVA, FEEVA, WEVA).

Join Our Spanish-Speaking Community

We already have a large number of Spanish-speaking equine veterinarians among our subscribers, from Chile, Colombia, Argentina and the Mexican Association of Equine Veterinary Specialists (AMMVEE)

Alongside our global audience, this creates a vibrant network where vets can share best practices, exchange clinical insights, and access training tailored to equine practice in Latin America and Europe.

If you are a member of a FIAVE association – or simply a Spanish-speaking equine veterinarian interested in connecting with colleagues worldwide – now is the perfect time to join our community. Together, we can build stronger links, foster collaboration, and ensure equine medicine continues to advance across borders.

Iberoamerican Federation of Equine Veterinary Associations FAQ’S

What does FIAVE stand for?
FIAVE stands for Federación Iberoamericana de Asociaciones de Veterinarios de Équidos.

What is FIAVE?
FIAVE is the federation that connects equine veterinary associations across Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.

When was FIAVE founded?
FIAVE was formally constituted on 1 December 2018 in Málaga, Spain.

Which countries are members of FIAVE?
Member countries include Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, Portugal, Panama, Peru, El Salvador, and others.

What does FIAVE do?
FIAVE organises regional summits (Cumbres), runs educational webinars (Charlas FIAVE), supports scientific exchange, and promotes shared standards in equine veterinary medicine.

Where was the most recent FIAVE Cumbre held?
The VII Cumbre was held in Panama City in 2024, and the VIII Cumbre took place in Asunción, Paraguay in September 2025.

This article is part of an international reference series by The Equine Practice Company (TEPC), documenting equine veterinary associations, education pathways, and professional networks worldwide.