Essential veterinary education in fish health and disease: a gobal perspective

Abstract

Fish are the largest class of vertebrates, with over 25,000 estimated species and subspecies. Fish have evolved unique anatomical and physiological adaptations, when compared to terrestrial vertebrates, for life in a range of aquatic environments. Interest in aquatic animal health has been recorded in Eastern and Western cultures for more than 2,000 years. In recent times, there has been an increase in the numbers of aquatic animals being used as companion animals or pets, for food and in laboratories, as well as in restoration and conservation programmes. There has also been a corresponding increase in concern for their health and welfare. Moral and ethical considerations require the optimisation of husbandry practices and advances in aquatic animal health for these animals. As with other vertebrates, veterinarians are best equipped to meet the challenges for aquatic animal health from clinical, scientific and legal perspectives. To accomplish this goal, veterinary education must incorporate aquatic animal health throughout graduate curricula, create advanced postgraduate training opportunities, and support a continuum of professional development opportunities for all levels of aquatic animal health expertise.

Mapping the teaching of aquatic animal veterinary medicine in the European Union and European Free Trade Area

“…Finally it should be acknowledged that the concept of One Health, recognising that humans, animals and the environment are interconnected,40 41 is gaining more and more value in our society. The One Health approach in aquatic medical practice can help us, for example, to identify links of transmission of pathogens between terrestrial and aquatic species or to better understand the impact of the use of medicines, including antibiotics, in the environment, for example, streams and groundwater 42…”

Physiologic and biochemical measurements and response to noxious stimulation at various concentrations of MS-222 in Koi (Cyprinus carpio)

“…2004) to 250 mg L −1 to achieve a similar plane of anaesthesia (Weisse et al. 2002; Weber et al. 2009a,b).…”

“…Veterinary expertise in fish health has increased in aquaculture, laboratory animal medicine, zoos and public aquariums, wild fisheries, and private practice with ornamental fish over the last two decades (Weber et al. 2009a,b).…”

Bridging knowledge gaps in fish health management through education, research, and biosecurity

“…It is clear from the foregoing that Bachelor's degree holders should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate programs in aquatic animal health to enhance their competence in managing emerging diseases that challenge the industry. Postgraduate programs require a diverse curriculum of Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 09 frontiersin.org courses on aquatic animal health to produce a continuum of health professionals for the industry (Weber et al, 2009). In this study, the most relevant educational gaps to address in the current aquaculture curriculum include the training of more personnel in health management, nutrition and genetics.…”

“…Education and training are essential for developing the right set of skills for aquatic animal health management. It is therefore paramount to identify the appropriate level of knowledge and technical skills needed in the curricular of educational institutions to effectively manage aquatic animal health (Weber et al, 2009;Scarfe et al, 2021). This will ensure that education focusses on providing not only degrees but the competencies and skills needed by aquatic animal health professionals.…”