The European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) is a European Veterinary Specialist College formed under the auspices of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). The ECZM, evolved from the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery (ECAMS), founded in 1993. In 2009 following new Specialist areas were provisionally recognised by the EBVS: Herpetological Medicine, Small Mammal Medicine and Wildlife Population Health, and in 2012 Zoo Health Management. The Specialist areas run parallel and separate to each other.
The European College of Zoological Medicine was established to help further progress in research and practice to benefit the health and well-being of free-ranging and captive non-domesticated animals. The ECZM establish and maintain high standards of training that will leads to recognition as a European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine. Certification enhances the professional standing of the specialty, and results in the provision of high quality zoological veterinary medical services to the public, animal owners, institutions, and zoological collections . The College encourages veterinarians interested in obtaining specialty status in Zoological Medicine to enter a residency program through the ECZM.
“Zoological Medicine integrates veterinary medicine and the principles of ecology and conservation as applied in both natural and artificial environments.”
(JAVMA 2001;219:1532-1535)