Description
Aquatic animal health professionals diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of aquatic animals by implementing appropriate sampling protocols. They supervise the use of medicines, including vaccines, and collect data on fish health, making regular reports to the appropriate personnel. They may provide care to a wide range of aquatic animals or specialise in the treatment of a particular group or in a particular speciality area. They may provide advice, support and training to farm staff on best practice with regard to the health and welfare of the cultured organisms.
EssentialOptional
Theoretical Knowledge
biosecurityecologyfish anatomyvirologyscientific research methodologymicrobiology-bacteriologybiologyfish identification and classificationfish biologyaquatic speciesbiotechnology in aquaculturemolecular biologylaboratory techniquesapplied zoologybotanypollution legislationfish welfare regulationsassessment of risks and threatspollution preventionanimal welfare legislation
Practical Skills
diagnose aquatic animals disease symptomsprepare visual dataconduct fish mortality studiesperform laboratory testsanalyse fish samples for diagnosismonitor fish mortality ratesapply scientific methodsconduct fish populations studiesmonitor fish health statusanalyse work-related written reportssend samples to laboratoryconserve natural resourcescarry out fish disease prevention measuresmaintain aquaculture treatment recordswrite routine reportsprepare fish treatment facilitiescollect biological datagather experimental dataconduct research on floraconduct research on faunamonitor water qualityperform field researchuse specialised equipmentimplement scientific decision making in healthcarewrite work-related reportspreserve fish samples for diagnosiscollect fish samples for diagnosisdispose of chemicalscontrol aquatic production environmenttreat fish diseasescommunicate specialised veterinary informationperform scientific researchprepare fish treatment planinspect fish stockadminister treatments to fishfollow safety precautions in fishery operationsmonitor treated fishidentify risks in aquaculture facilitiesinterview parties in relation to animal welfare investigationsassess environmental impact in aquaculture operationsscreen live fish deformitiesdevelop management plans to reduce risks in aquacultureinspect animal welfare managementmaintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsadvise on animal welfaredevelop fish health and welfare management plansseek innovation in current practicesapply risk management processesreport pollution incidentsensure animal welfare in slaughtering practices