The Role of Veterinary Education in Fostering Aquaculture Development

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the most promising food producing industries, from both socio-economic and food security perspectives. It is developing fast and, unless there is a well thought-out strategy aimed at supporting this trend, errors can be made when dealing with aquatic animal disease outbreaks. Apart from establishing legislation and policies to assist countries/regions in implementing biosecurity measures, the strategy should focus also upon fostering adequate veterinary education, so that the “day-one” graduate to have a reliable level of understanding of/performance in the aquaculture sector. Veterinary schools, particularly those within countries which rely upon aquaculture as one of the national food producing industries, should be encouraged to include aquatic veterinary disciplines within their curriculum. Through special designed veterinary curriculums, there would be available more veterinarians specialised on aquaculture to serve the needs of stakeholders and to help ensuring regional food security.