Abstract

In 2017, the University of Florida received funding from USDA-NIFA to provide advanced training in aquaculture medicine to 8 practicing rural veterinarians selected from a national pool of applicants. Participating veterinarians, Fellows, were selected from 6 states (California, Florida, Idaho, Texas, Utah, and Washington), and areas of expertise ranged from traditional dairy to rural and companion animal practice. When the program was initiated, two Fellows were engaged in some level of aquaculture practice. Three years of training has been provided and included 12 credit hours of online formal graduate education; additional learning materials were developed that were specific to veterinary practice. This included 14 hours of lecture material designed to supplement information provided in formal coursework, and a one-week hands-on practicum to provide training in diagnostic methodologies as well as on-the-farm interactions with producers. Currently the program is providing support for the Fellows in development of professional relationships with aquaculture businesses in their local communities.

Acquiring an appropriate level of understanding of water quality parameters and life support systems, particularly the nuance of recirculating systems and associated technology, was considered a barrier by most Fellows prior to participating in this training program. The experience of working on farms and speaking directly with producers about production issues and successes was also a skill that Fellows felt they needed help with. After the first year of the program, Fellows reported an improved understanding of animal physiology and production systems.

Currently, all Fellows have completed the one-week practicum and are on track to complete required coursework by May 2021. All Fellows are actively engaged in providing professional services to aquaculture businesses in their communities, and the level of engagement in aquaculture and related practice has increased for all Fellows as their expertise has grown. Services provided by Fellows to community aquaculture businesses include health certification of stocks for shipping, diagnostic support, ability to write veterinary feed directives when appropriate, and support to state agencies and boards in the development of aquaculture policy. To complete the training program, all Fellows are currently engaged in development of Comprehensive Aquaculture Health Program Standards (CAHPS) with farms that they have established relationships with.

Acknowledgments

Funding for this project provided by USDA-NIFA (National Institute for Food and Agriculture); Veterinary Services Grant Program.

*Presenting author