Avian medicine, the state of the art medical treatment and care of avian species, other than the traditional (commercial/farmed) poultry, is a distinct specialized field of veterinary medicine. Diplomates in avian medicine and surgery work primarily as clinicians who are concerned with all aspects of diagnosis and management of diseases of birds other than poultry (i.e. companion birds, ornamental birds, zoo birds, racing pigeons, birds kept for falconry, free-range birds, ratites). The primary objectives of the specialty are to advance avian medicine in Europe, and increase the competency of those who practice in this field.