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MODULE 1: Foundations of Aquaculture 1.1 Introduction to Aquaculture • History and evolution of aquaculture • Global aquaculture industry overview • Economic importance and food security • Major producing countries and regions • Industry trends and future outlook • Career opportunities in aquaculture 1.2 Aquaculture Systems and Technologies • Pond culture systems • Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) • Cage and pen culture • Flow-through systems • Raceways and tanks • Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) • Biofloc technology • Aquaponics systems 1.3 Major Cultured Species • Finfish (salmon, tilapia, catfish, carp, sea bass, sea bream) • Crustaceans (shrimp, prawns, crabs, lobsters) • Molluscs (oysters, clams, mussels, scallops) • Other aquatic animals (frogs, alligators, turtles) • Species selection criteria • Market demand analysis 1.4 Site Selection and Farm Design • Water source evaluation • Soil and water quality assessment • Environmental impact considerations • Infrastructure requirements • Layout and design principles • Regulatory compliance • Permits and licensing 1.5 Hatchery Operations • Broodstock management • Induced breeding techniques • Larval rearing systems • Nursery management • Fry and fingerling production • Quality control in hatcheries • Record keeping and genetics Learning Outcomes: • Understand aquaculture production systems • Evaluate site suitability for aquaculture • Design basic aquaculture facilities • Recognize major cultured species and their requirements MODULE 2: Aquatic Animal Biology and Physiology 2.1 Comparative Anatomy • External morphology • Skeletal systems • Muscular systems • Integumentary system (skin, scales, mucus) • Sensory organs • Species-specific adaptations • Anatomical variations among taxa 2.2 Physiological Systems • Digestive system and nutrition absorption • Respiratory systems (gills, labyrinth organs) • Circulatory system and blood • Excretory system and osmoregulation • Nervous system and behavior • Endocrine system and hormones • Reproductive physiology 2.3 Osmoregulation and Ionic Balance • Freshwater fish osmoregulation • Marine fish osmoregulation • Euryhaline species adaptations • Salinity tolerance ranges • Ion transport mechanisms • Stress and osmoregulatory dysfunction • Clinical implications 2.4 Stress Physiology • Definition and types of stress • Primary stress response (cortisol) • Secondary stress response (blood chemistry changes) • Tertiary stress response (population effects) • Chronic vs. acute stress • Stress indicators and measurement • Stress mitigation strategies 2.5 Immune System • Innate immunity (non-specific) • Adaptive immunity (specific) • Lymphoid tissues and organs • Cellular immune responses • Humoral immune responses • Mucus-associated immunity • Immunosuppression factors Learning Outcomes: • Understand aquatic animal anatomy and physiology • Explain osmoregulation in different environments • Recognize stress responses and their impacts • Describe immune system function and disease resistance MODULE 3: Water Quality Management for Aquaculture 3.1 Physical Water Quality Parameters • Temperature (optimal ranges by species) • Dissolved oxygen (minimum 5 mg/L for most species) • Turbidity and suspended solids • Light penetration (Secchi disk depth) • Water color and interpretation • Flow rates and water exchange • Ice management in cold climates 3.2 Chemical Water Quality Parameters • pH (6.5-9.0 acceptable range for most species) • Alkalinity and hardness • Ammonia (un-ionized NH3 < 0.02 mg/L) • Nitrite (< 0.1 mg/L for most species) • Nitrate (< 100 mg/L recommended) • Carbon dioxide (< 15 mg/L) • Hydrogen sulfide • Heavy metals and toxins 3.3 Biological Water Quality • Phytoplankton abundance and composition • Zooplankton communities • Bacterial populations • Algal blooms and management • Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) toxins • Beneficial vs. harmful organisms • Biological indicators 3.4 Water Quality Monitoring • Sampling protocols and frequency • Field testing methods • Laboratory analysis procedures • Data recording and interpretation • Statistical analysis of water quality data • Early warning systems • Remote monitoring technology 3.5 Water Treatment and Management • Aeration and oxygenation systems • Liming for pH and alkalinity adjustment • Fertilization for pond productivity • Water exchange strategies • Filtration and settling • Disinfection methods • Emergency interventions Learning Outcomes: • Monitor and manage water quality parameters • Identify water quality problems • Implement corrective measures • Maintain optimal growing conditions MODULE 4: Nutrition and Feed Management 4.1 Nutritional Biochemistry • Protein and amino acid requirements (25-55% depending on species) • Lipid requirements and essential fatty acids (EPA, DHA, ARA) • Carbohydrate utilization by species • Vitamin requirements (fat-soluble and water-soluble) • Mineral requirements (macro and micro) • Energy requirements and utilization • Nutrient metabolism pathways 4.2 Feed Formulation for Aquaculture • Ingredient selection and evaluation • Protein sources (fishmeal, plant proteins, insect meal) • Energy sources • Binding agents and pellet stability • Attractants and palatability enhancers • Nutrient specifications by species and life stage • Computer-aided formulation • Cost optimization 4.3 Feed Manufacturing • Mixing and grinding • Pelleting technologies • Extrusion process • Coating and finishing • Quality control procedures • Storage and handling • Shelf life considerations 4.4 Feeding Management Practices • Feed size selection • Feeding rate calculations (% body weight per day) • Feeding frequency (1-6 times daily depending on species/age) • Feeding methods (broadcast, demand feeders, automatic) • Feed conversion ratio (FCR) monitoring • Satiation feeding vs. restricted feeding • Seasonal feeding adjustments • Feed deprivation before handling 4.5 Nutritional Diseases • Protein deficiency and excess • Essential fatty acid deficiency • Vitamin deficiencies (C, E, B complex) • Mineral imbalances • Aflatoxicosis and mycotoxins • Oxidative stress from rancid feeds • Prevention and treatment Learning Outcomes: • Formulate nutritionally balanced feeds • Implement effective feeding strategies • Calculate and optimize feed conversion • Diagnose nutritional disorders MODULE 5: Disease Recognition and Diagnosis 5.1 Principles of Fish Health Management • Health vs. disease continuum • Disease triangle (host, pathogen, environment) • Risk factors for disease • Health monitoring programs • Diagnostic approach and methodology • Differential diagnosis • Clinical reasoning 5.2 Clinical Examination Techniques • Behavioral observation (swimming patterns, feeding, respiration) • External examination (skin, fins, gills, eyes, mouth) • Internal examination (necropsy procedures) • Sampling techniques (blood, tissue, mucus) • Documentation and photography • Mortality patterns and interpretation • Case history taking 5.3 Laboratory Diagnostic Methods • Wet mount preparations • Histopathology and tissue processing • Microbiology and bacterial culture • Virology and PCR techniques • Serology and immunodiagnostics • Molecular diagnostics • Water quality analysis • Feed analysis 5.4 Gross Pathology • Normal vs. abnormal findings • Skin and fin lesions • Gill pathology • Ocular lesions • Abdominal distension and dropsy • Organ abnormalities • Skeletal deformities • Tumor recognition 5.5 Microscopy Skills • Light microscopy techniques • Parasite identification • Bacterial morphology • Fungal structures • Blood cell examination • Tissue examination • Photomicrography • Specimen preservation 5.6 Disease Investigation Protocols • Outbreak investigation steps • Sample collection and preservation • Chain of custody • Shipping diagnostic samples • Working with diagnostic laboratories • Report interpretation • Follow-up recommendations Learning Outcomes: • Conduct thorough health examinations • Perform diagnostic procedures • Utilize laboratory techniques • Interpret diagnostic findings • Investigate disease outbreaks MODULE 6: Infectious Diseases - Bacterial 6.1 Bacterial Disease Principles • Bacterial classification and identification • Gram-positive vs. gram-negative bacteria • Primary vs. opportunistic pathogens • Virulence factors • Routes of infection • Host-pathogen interactions • Antibiotic resistance mechanisms 6.2 Major Bacterial Diseases • Aeromonas infections (motile Aeromonas septicemia - MAS) • Vibriosis (Vibrio anguillarum, V. harveyi) • Edwardsiellosis (Edwardsiella tarda, E. ictaluri) • Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare) • Streptococcosis (Streptococcus iniae, S. agalactiae) • Enteric Septicemia of Catfish (Edwardsiella ictaluri) • Furunculosis (Aeromonas salmonicida) • Bacterial Kidney Disease (Renibacterium salmoninarum) • Mycobacteriosis (Mycobacterium marinum, M. fortuitum) • Francisellosis (Francisella noatunensis) • Photobacteriosis (Photobacterium damselae) • Piscirickettsiosis (Piscirickettsia salmonis) 6.3 Clinical Signs and Pathology • Hemorrhagic septicemia • Ulcerative lesions • Exophthalmia (pop-eye) • Ascites (dropsy) • Fin erosion and necrosis • Internal organ damage • Species-specific manifestations 6.4 Diagnostic Methods for Bacterial Diseases • Bacterial culture techniques • Biochemical identification (API systems) • Molecular methods (PCR, sequencing) • Antibiotic sensitivity testing • MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry • Serological tests • Interpretation of results 6.5 Treatment and Control • Antibiotic therapy (approved drugs by region) • Medicated feed preparation and administration • Bath treatments • Injectable antibiotics • Dosage calculations • Treatment duration and withdrawal periods • Antibiotic resistance management • Alternative treatments (probiotics, immunostimulants) Learning Outcomes: • Identify major bacterial diseases • Select appropriate diagnostic tests • Design treatment protocols • Implement antibiotic stewardship MODULE 7: Infectious Diseases - Viral 7.1 Viral Disease Principles • Virus structure and classification • DNA vs. RNA viruses • Viral replication cycles • Host specificity and range • Transmission routes • Persistence and latency • Emerging viral diseases 7.2 Major Viral Diseases • Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) • Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) • Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC) • Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) • Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) • Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHV) • White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV in shrimp) • Yellow Head Virus (YHV in shrimp) • Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV in shrimp) • Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMV) • Lymphocystis Disease • Iridoviral diseases (Red Sea Bream Iridovirus) • Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN/Betanodavirus) 7.3 Clinical Presentation and Pathology • Hemorrhages and petechiae • Neurological signs • Lethargy and anorexia • Mortality patterns • Gross pathological changes • Histopathological features • Electron microscopy findings 7.4 Viral Diagnostics • Cell culture and virus isolation • Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry • PCR and real-time PCR • In situ hybridization • Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis • ELISA and antibody detection • Certification and surveillance programs 7.5 Management and Prevention • Biosecurity measures • Quarantine protocols • Eradication and depopulation • Disinfection procedures • Vaccination programs (where available) • Breeding for disease resistance • Regulatory compliance and reporting • No effective treatments (focus on prevention) Learning Outcomes: • Recognize viral disease outbreaks • Understand viral diagnostic methods • Implement prevention strategies • Comply with regulatory requirements MODULE 8: Infectious Diseases - Parasitic 8.1 Parasitology Fundamentals • Parasite classification (protozoa, helminths, crustaceans) • Life cycles and transmission • Direct vs. indirect life cycles • Intermediate and definitive hosts • Pathogenesis and host damage • Parasite-host relationships • Environmental factors affecting parasites 8.2 Protozoan Parasites • Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (freshwater ich) • Cryptocaryon irritans (marine ich) • Ichthyobodo necator (Costia) • Trichodina species • Chilodonella species • Epistylis species • Amyloodinium ocellatum (marine velvet) • Spironucleus/Hexamita species • Microsporidians • Myxozoans (Myxobolus, PKD) 8.3 Helminth Parasites • Monogenean flukes (Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus) • Digenean trematodes (eye flukes, blood flukes) • Cestodes (tapeworms) • Nematodes (roundworms) • Acanthocephalans (thorny-headed worms) • Life cycle management for control • Intermediate host control 8.4 Crustacean Parasites • Argulus species (fish lice) • Lernaea species (anchor worms) • Ergasilus species (gill lice) • Caligus species (sea lice on salmon) • Lepeophtheirus salmonis (salmon lice) • Economic impact in aquaculture • Integrated pest management 8.5 Parasite Diagnosis • Microscopic examination techniques • Skin scrapes and gill clips • Fecal examination • Tissue digestion methods • Molecular identification • Quantification and intensity assessment • Seasonal monitoring programs 8.6 Antiparasitic Treatments • Chemical treatments: o Formalin (for external parasites) o Copper sulfate (for protozoa) o Potassium permanganate o Hydrogen peroxide o Praziquantel (for flukes and tapeworms) o Emamectin benzoate (for sea lice) o Salt baths (species-dependent) • Alternative controls: o Cleaner fish (wrasses for sea lice) o Biological control o Environmental manipulation o Feed additives • Dosage calculations and safety • Treatment protocols by parasite type • Withdrawal periods Learning Outcomes: • Identify common aquaculture parasites • Understand parasite life cycles • Select appropriate treatments • Implement integrated parasite management MODULE 9: Infectious Diseases - Fungal and Other 9.1 Fungal Diseases • Saprolegnia species (water molds) • Aphanomyces species • Branchiomyces species (gill rot) • Ichthyophonus hoferi • Predisposing factors • Clinical signs and diagnosis • Treatment options (malachite green historical, salt, hydrogen peroxide) • Prevention through water quality and stress management 9.2 Oomycete Infections • Saprolegnia in eggs • Aphanomyces invadans (EUS - Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome) • Pathogenesis and host invasion • Environmental conditions favoring outbreaks • Treatment and control measures • Regulatory considerations 9.3 Algal and Harmful Algal Blooms • Toxic algae species • Prymnesium parvum (golden algae) • Red tide organisms • Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and toxins • Fish kills from blooms • Monitoring and early warning • Management strategies 9.4 Other Disease Agents • Rickettsial infections • Chlamydial organisms • Microsporidian infections • Emerging pathogens • Unknown etiology diseases • Investigation approaches Learning Outcomes: • Recognize fungal and oomycete diseases • Manage harmful algal blooms • Investigate diseases of unknown cause • Apply appropriate control measures MODULE 10: Non-Infectious Diseases and Environmental Disorders 10.1 Water Quality-Related Diseases • Gas Bubble Disease (supersaturation) • Ammonia toxicity (acute and chronic) • Nitrite toxicity (methemoglobinemia) • Hydrogen sulfide poisoning • Low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) • pH stress (acidosis, alkalosis) • Temperature shock • Heavy metal toxicity (copper, zinc, lead) 10.2 Nutritional Disorders • Vitamin deficiencies: o Vitamin C (lordosis, scoliosis, hemorrhages) o Vitamin E (muscular dystrophy, anemia) o Vitamin A (eye problems, skeletal deformities) o B vitamins (various deficiency signs) • Mineral deficiencies: o Phosphorus (skeletal problems) o Iodine (goiter) o Selenium (muscular dystrophy) • Fatty liver disease • Rancid feed toxicity • Mycotoxicosis • Gossypol toxicity 10.3 Toxic Exposures • Pesticide contamination • Herbicide effects • Industrial pollutants • Algal toxins • Plant toxins in feeds • Drug overdoses • Disinfectant residues • Diagnostic approaches to toxicity 10.4 Genetic and Developmental Disorders • Skeletal deformities • Albinism and pigmentation disorders • Hermaphroditism • Teratogenic effects • Inbreeding depression • Genetic selection considerations 10.5 Neoplasia (Tumors and Cancers) • Liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma) • Thyroid tumors • Papillomas • Melanomas • Viral-associated tumors • Carcinogen exposure • Prevalence in aquaculture 10.6 Physical Injuries and Trauma • Handling injuries • Predator damage • Net wounds • Grading and sorting trauma • Transport injuries • Cannibalism • Prevention and treatment Learning Outcomes: • Diagnose non-infectious health problems • Identify environmental disease causes • Recognize nutritional disorders • Manage physical injuries and trauma MODULE 11: Disease Prevention and Biosecurity 11.1 Biosecurity Principles • Definition and importance • Risk assessment and analysis • Biosecurity levels • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) • Compliance monitoring • Staff training and awareness • Biosecurity audits 11.2 Farm Biosecurity Measures • Site security: o Perimeter fencing and access control o Visitor management protocols o Vehicle disinfection o Wildlife exclusion • Personnel biosecurity: o Footbaths and hand washing stations o Protective clothing and equipment o Quarantine for staff o Health screening • Equipment biosecurity: o Dedicated equipment by zone o Disinfection protocols o Maintenance and cleaning schedules • Water biosecurity: o Source water treatment o Effluent management o Cross-contamination prevention 11.3 Quarantine and Isolation • Quarantine facility design • Quarantine duration (minimum 30-60 days) • Health monitoring during quarantine • Testing protocols • Treatment of incoming stock • Release criteria • Documentation and records • Isolation of sick fish 11.4 Stocking and Introduction Protocols • Source selection and certification • Health history verification • Transport stress management • Acclimation procedures • Initial stocking densities • Monitoring after introduction • "All-in/all-out" management 11.5 Sanitation and Disinfection • Disinfectants: o Chlorine and hypochlorites o Iodophors o Quaternary ammonium compounds o Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) o Calcium hypochlorite o Virkon and other oxidizers • Application methods • Contact time and efficacy • Safety precautions • Environmental considerations • Between-crop disinfection • Equipment sterilization 11.6 Vaccination Programs • Available vaccines: o Vibrio vaccines (polyvalent) o Yersinia ruckeri vaccine o Aeromonas salmonicida vaccine o Streptococcus vaccines o Piscirickettsia vaccine o Autogenous vaccines • Vaccination methods (injection, immersion, oral) • Timing and age of vaccination • Booster protocols • Vaccine storage and handling • Efficacy monitoring • Limitations and considerations 11.7 Health Monitoring Programs • Regular health inspections • Behavioral observation • Growth monitoring • Mortality recording and analysis • Sentinel fish programs • Baseline health data • Early disease detection systems • Record keeping and traceability Learning Outcomes: • Implement comprehensive biosecurity programs • Design and operate quarantine facilities • Develop vaccination strategies • Establish health monitoring systems • Apply effective sanitation protocols MODULE 12: Treatment Strategies and Therapeutics 12.1 Principles of Fish Pharmacology • Pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) • Pharmacodynamics (drug mechanisms) • Factors affecting drug efficacy in fish • Temperature effects on drug metabolism • Species differences in drug response • Drug formulations for aquaculture 12.2 Approved Drugs and Regulations • FDA-approved drugs (USA): o Oxytetracycline (Terramycin) o Florfenicol (Aquaflor) o Sulfadimethoxine/ormetoprim (Romet) o Formalin o Hydrogen peroxide (35% Perox-Aid) o MS-222 (tricaine methanesulfonate - anesthetic) • Other regions: o Regional approved drug lists o Extra-label drug use regulations o Compounding regulations • Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) • Withdrawal times before harvest • Residue testing • Prescription requirements 12.3 Treatment Administration Methods • Oral administration: o Medicated feed preparation o Top-dressing techniques o Feed management during treatment o Ensuring drug intake • Bath/immersion treatments: o Prolonged immersion (days) o Short-term baths (30 min - 1 hour) o Dips (seconds to minutes) o Flush treatments o Calculating volumes and doses • Injection: o Intraperitoneal (IP) o Intramuscular (IM) o Subcutaneous (rare in fish) o Injection techniques and safety o Anesthesia for handling • Topical treatments: o Wound treatment o Paste applications o Spray applications 12.4 Dosage Calculations • Body weight estimation methods • Total biomass calculations • Active ingredient percentages • Flow-through vs. static water calculations • Feed-based dosing (mg drug/kg body weight/day) • Water-based dosing (mg drug/L) • Adjustments for temperature • Safety margins 12.5 Alternative and Complementary Therapies • Probiotics: o Bacillus species o Lactobacillus species o Selection and application • Prebiotics and synbiotics • Immunostimulants: o Beta-glucans o Vitamins C and E o Herbs and botanicals • Essential oils and plant extracts • Bacteriophage therapy • Evidence-based evaluation • Integration with conventional treatments 12.6 Drug Resistance Management • Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance • Resistance gene transfer • Surveillance programs • Antimicrobial stewardship principles • Judicious use guidelines • Diagnostic testing before treatment • Rotation of drug classes • Record keeping requirements 12.7 Treatment Planning and Monitoring • Treatment decision-making process • Cost-benefit analysis • Treatment protocols development • Monitoring during treatment • Assessing treatment efficacy • Adjusting treatment plans • Documenting outcomes • Post-treatment monitoring Learning Outcomes: • Calculate accurate drug doses • Select appropriate treatment methods • Administer treatments safely and effectively • Comply with drug regulations • Practice antimicrobial stewardship • Evaluate alternative therapies MODULE 13: Epidemiology and Disease Control 13.1 Principles of Epidemiology • Disease occurrence and distribution • Prevalence and incidence calculations • Epidemic vs. endemic disease • Disease transmission dynamics • Risk factors identification • Epidemiological study designs • Data collection and analysis 13.2 Disease Surveillance • Active vs. passive surveillance • Sentinel surveillance programs • Reporting systems and requirements • Disease notification protocols • National and international surveillance • OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) listed diseases • Early warning systems • Trend analysis 13.3 Outbreak Investigation • Outbreak detection and confirmation • Case definition development • Descriptive epidemiology (time, place, animal) • Hypothesis generation • Analytical studies • Source tracking • Control measure implementation • Final report preparation 13.4 Disease Control Strategies • Eradication programs: o Complete depopulation o Disinfection protocols o Restocking procedures • Containment strategies: o Movement restrictions o Zoning and compartmentalization o Stamping out policies • Vaccination campaigns • Breeding for resistance • Environmental management • Integrated approaches 13.5 Compartmentalization and Zoning • Principles and benefits • OIE standards and guidelines • Disease-free zones • Biosecurity requirements • Certification and auditing • Trade implications • Examples from aquaculture 13.6 Emergency Response Planning • Disease emergency scenarios • Rapid response teams • Communication protocols • Coordination with authorities • Resource mobilization • Contingency plans • Simulation exercises • Recovery planning Learning Outcomes: • Apply epidemiological principles • Conduct disease investigations • Design surveillance programs • Develop disease control strategies • Implement emergency response plans MODULE 14: Specific Production Systems Health Management 14.1 Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Health • System-specific disease risks • Biofilter health and disease • Water quality management in RAS • Biosecurity in closed systems • Disease outbreak control • UV and ozone applications • System disinfection between crops • Advantages for disease control 14.2 Cage and Net Pen Culture Health • Open water disease challenges • Sea lice management in salmon • Amoebic gill disease • Interaction with wild fish populations • Fouling management • Environmental disease factors • Treatment limitations in open systems • Fallowing and site management 14.3 Pond Aquaculture Health • Pond ecology and disease • Predator control • Wild fish exclusion • Seasonal disease patterns • Water quality cycles • Emergency aeration • Polyculture disease considerations • Pond preparation and disinfection 14.4 Shrimp Aquaculture Health Management • Major shrimp diseases (WSSV, EMS/AHPND, YHV, TSV) • Specific pathogen-free (SPF) stocks • Specific pathogen-resistant (SPR) stocks • Biosecurity in shrimp farms • Probiotics in shrimp culture • Feed management and health • Molting problems • Toxic plankton and cyanobacteria 14.5 Shellfish Health Management • Bivalve diseases (MSX, Dermo, Bonamiasis) • Monitoring programs • Water quality and shellfish health • Harmful algal blooms • Bacterial contamination (depuration) • Handling and stress in shellfish • Hatchery health management • Seed quality assurance 14.6 Hatchery-Specific Health Issues • Vertical disease transmission • Egg and larval diseases • Bacterial problems in hatcheries • Rotifer and artemia-associated diseases • Water quality in larval systems • Probiotic use in hatcheries • Biosecurity in hatcheries • Quality control of seed Learning Outcomes: • Manage health in different production systems • Address system-specific disease challenges • Adapt biosecurity to production methods • Optimize health in specialized operations MODULE 15: Regulatory Compliance and Certification 15.1 National and International Regulations • Country-specific aquaculture regulations • Import/export requirements • Health certification for trade • Quarantine regulations • Notifiable disease lists • Reporting requirements • Penalties for non-compliance • Staying current with regulations 15.2 OIE Standards and Guidelines • OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code • Listed aquatic animal diseases • Surveillance and monitoring standards • Diagnostic manual procedures • Health certification formats • Zoning and compartmentalization • Risk analysis frameworks • International harmonization 15.3 Food Safety and Quality • HACCP in aquaculture • Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) • Drug residue monitoring • Chemical contamination • Microbiological safety • Traceability systems • Recall procedures • Consumer protection 15.4 Certification Schemes • Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) • Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) • GlobalG.A.P. • Organic certification • Fair Trade certification • Health components of certification • Audit preparation • Maintaining certification 15.5 Record Keeping and Documentation • Legal requirements for records • Health records and mortality data • Treatment records • Veterinary consultation documentation • Feed records • Water quality data • Chain of custody for samples • Data retention requirements • Digital record systems 15.6 Working with Regulatory Authorities • Reporting disease outbreaks • Compliance inspections • Permit applications and renewals • Responding to violations • Cooperation during investigations • Professional relationships • Understanding regulatory intent Learning Outcomes: • Comply with health regulations • Maintain required documentation • Prepare for certification audits • Work effectively with authorities • Understand international trade requirements MODULE 16: Professional Skills and Business Management 16.1 Farm Health Management Planning • Comprehensive health plans • Risk assessment and prioritization • Resource allocation • Staff training programs • Monitoring and evaluation • Continuous improvement • Client/farm owner communication • Long-term health strategies 16.2 Economic Aspects of Disease • Cost of disease outbreaks • Economic impact calculations • Insurance options • Cost-benefit of prevention vs. treatment • ROI on biosecurity investments • Disease risk in business planning • Pricing for health services • Financial record keeping 16.3 Communication Skills • Farmer education and extension • Technical writing and reports • Presenting to diverse audiences • Veterinary-client relationships • Crisis communication • Media relations during outbreaks • Interpersonal skills • Conflict resolution 16.4 Ethical and Professional Conduct • Animal welfare in aquaculture • Responsible use of therapeutics • Environmental stewardship • Professional codes of ethics • Confidentiality and client privacy • Continuing professional development • Professional organizations and membership • Mentorship and knowledge sharing 16.5 Consulting and Advisory Services • Establishing a consulting practice • Service contracts and agreements • Liability and insurance • Fee structures • Marketing professional services • Building client base • Managing expectations • Expert witness roles 16.6 Research and Innovation • Identifying research needs • Collaboration with research institutions • On-farm trials and studies • Data collection for research • Publication and knowledge dissemination • Adopting new technologies • Evidence-based decision making • Contributing to industry advancement Learning Outcomes: • Develop farm health management plans • Communicate effectively with stakeholders • Understand business aspects of health management • Practice ethical and professional conduct • Contribute to industry knowledge MODULE 17: Species-Specific Disease Management 17.1 Salmonid Health Management • Major diseases: o Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) o Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) o Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) o Furunculosis o Piscirickettsiosis (SRS) o Sea lice (Lepeophtheirus, Caligus) o Amoebic gill disease (AGD) • Vaccination protocols for salmon • Integrated health management • Smolt quality and health • Seawater transfer management 17.2 Tilapia Health Management • Common diseases: o Streptococcosis (S. agalactiae, S. iniae) o Francisellosis o Columnaris o Ichthyophthirius o Trichodiniasis • Temperature and salinity management • Stocking density effects • Hatchery health • Sex reversal and health implications 17.3 Catfish Health Management • Important diseases: o Enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) o Columnaris o Motile Aeromonas septicemia o Proliferative gill disease (PGD) o Ictalurid herpesvirus (Channel catfish virus) • Pond management for health • Off-flavor management • Winter management • Foodfish vs. fingerling management 17.4 Carp and Cyprinid Health Management • Key diseases: o Spring viremia of carp (SVC) o Koi herpesvirus disease (KHV) o Carp edema virus (CEV) o Aeromonas infections o Ichthyophthirius o Myxozoan parasites • Koi and ornamental carp considerations • Pond vs. indoor systems • Seasonal health management • Breeding stock health 17.5 Marine Finfish Health Management • Sea bass and sea bream diseases: o Vibriosis o Photobacteriosis o Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) o Parasitic infections • Grouper health issues • Amberjack/Yellowtail diseases • Larvae and juvenile health • Grading stress management 17.6 Shrimp Species-Specific Management • Penaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) • Penaeus monodon (Black tiger shrimp) • Disease susceptibility differences • Genetic selection programs • Maturation and spawning health • Post-larvae quality assessment • Grow-out health monitoring Learning Outcomes: • Apply species-specific health management • Recognize species-specific diseases • Implement targeted prevention strategies • Adapt general principles to specific species MODULE 18: Advanced Topics and Emerging Issues 18.1 Climate Change and Aquaculture Health • Temperature stress and disease • Range expansion of pathogens • Ocean acidification effects • Extreme weather events • Adaptation strategies • Resilient species and strains • Monitoring and early warning • Future projections 18.2 Emerging and Transboundary Diseases • Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) • Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) • Scale drop disease virus (SDDV) • Emerging shrimp diseases • Cross-species transmission • Globalization and disease spread • International cooperation • Preparedness planning 18.3 Genetics and Disease Resistance • Selective breeding for resistance • Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping • Marker-assisted selection • Genomic selection • CRISPR and gene editing • GMO considerations and regulations • Maintaining genetic diversity • Breeding program design 18.4 Microbiome and Fish Health • Gut microbiome importance • Skin and gill microbiomes • Microbiome manipulation • Probiotics and prebiotics mechanisms • Water microbiome • Dysbiosis and disease • Future therapeutic approaches • Research directions 18.5 One Health Approach • Human-animal-environment interface • Zoonotic diseases from aquaculture • Antibiotic resistance and public health • Food safety connections • Environmental health • Interdisciplinary collaboration • One Health in practice • Global health security 18.6 Precision Aquaculture and Technology • Automated health monitoring systems • Artificial intelligence for disease detection • Remote sensing and imaging • Big data analytics • Environmental sensors and control • Decision support systems • Robotics in aquaculture • Future technologies 18.7 Sustainable Disease Management • Reducing chemical use • Integrated pest management • Ecosystem-based approaches • Circular economy principles • Environmental sustainability • Social responsibility • Economic sustainability • Industry resilience Learning Outcomes: • Understand emerging challenges • Apply advanced technologies • Consider broader health contexts • Prepare for future developments • Think critically about sustainability PRACTICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Laboratory Training • Necropsy and gross pathology • Microscopy and parasite identification • Bacterial culture and identification • Molecular diagnostics (PCR) • Histopathology basics • Water quality analysis • Drug dosage calculations • Sample collection and processing Farm-Based Training • Health inspections and monitoring • Disease outbreak investigation • Treatment administration • Biosecurity implementation • Vaccination programs • Record keeping systems • Farm health assessments • Client communication Clinical Internship • Work with aquatic veterinarian or fish health specialist • Diagnostic case work • Treatment planning and implementation • Consultation services • Laboratory procedures • Report writing • Professional ethics in practice ASSESSMENT METHODS Continuous Assessment • Module quizzes and tests • Laboratory practical exams • Case study analyses • Assignments and reports Practical Examinations • Necropsy and diagnosis practical • Microscopy identification exam • Water quality management test • Treatment calculation and planning • Disease investigation simulation Written Examinations • Comprehensive theory exams per module • Final comprehensive examination • Case-based questions • Critical thinking assessments CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION Certified Aquaculture Health Specialist (CAHS) Requirements: 1. Complete all modules with minimum 75% average 2. Pass all practical examinations 3. Complete required training hours 4. Successfully defend research project 5. Pass comprehensive certification exam 6. Demonstrate professional competency 7. Provide references from supervisors 8. Commit to code of professional conduct Certification Exam Components: • Written examination • Practical diagnostic examination • Case analysis and presentation • Oral examination Continuing Certification: • Minimum 30 hours continuing education • Professional development activities • Ethics compliance • Professional membership CAREER PATHWAYS Employment Opportunities: • Aquaculture Farm Health Manager • Fish Health Consultant • Aquatic Veterinary Technician • Diagnostic Laboratory Technician • Research Associate in Fish Health • Hatchery Health Coordinator • Feed Company Technical Specialist • Government Fish Health Inspector • Extension Specialist • Academic Researcher • Pharmaceutical Company Representative • International Organization Officer (FAO, OIE) • Private Practice Aquatic Health Specialist COURSE MATERIALS AND RESOURCES Required Textbooks: 1. "Fish Diseases and Disorders" by Woo and Bruno (3-volume set) 2. "Health Maintenance and Principal Microbial Diseases of Cultured Fishes" by Austin and Austin 3. "A Color Atlas of Salmonid Diseases" by Bruno and Poppe 4. "Aquatic Animal Health" by Noga (comprehensive reference) 5. "Techniques in Fish Immunology" by Stolen et al. Reference Materials: 1. "Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals" - OIE 2. "Fish Histology" by Morrison and Wright 3. "Parasitic Diseases of Wild and Farmed Fishes in the Tropics" by Woo 4. "Handbook of Salmon Diseases" by Roberts and Rodger 5. "Shrimp Culture" by Fast and Lester Journals and Publications: • Journal of Fish Diseases • Diseases of Aquatic Organisms • Aquaculture • Journal of Aquatic Animal Health • Fish & Shellfish Immunology • Transboundary and Emerging Diseases • BMC Veterinary Research (aquatic animals section) Online Resources: • OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code • FAO Aquaculture resources • The Fish Site • Global Aquaculture Alliance • World Aquaculture Society • Fish Health Section - American Fisheries Society Diagnostic Manuals: • AFS Fish Health Section Blue Book • USDA APHIS fish disease diagnostic manuals • Regional diagnostic guides by species EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES REQUIRED Laboratory Equipment: • Compound microscopes with photomicrography • Dissecting microscopes • Incubators for bacterial culture • Autoclave and sterilization equipment • Refrigeration and freezer storage • PCR equipment (for institutions) • Water quality testing equipment • Spectrophotometer • pH meters and dissolved oxygen meters • Centrifuge • Balances and scales Clinical Equipment: • Necropsy kits • Sampling equipment • Anesthetic equipment • Injection supplies • Nets and handling equipment • Portable water quality meters • Camera for documentation • Preservation supplies Facilities Access: • Wet laboratory • Microbiology laboratory • Demonstration aquarium systems • Necropsy facility • Quarantine system • Working aquaculture farm access ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Academic Prerequisites: • Bachelor's degree in biology, aquaculture, animal science, or related field, OR • Diploma in aquaculture with 2+ years’ experience, OR • Equivalent qualifications with relevant experience Recommended Background: • Biology (especially anatomy, physiology, microbiology) • Chemistry (especially biochemistry) • Mathematics and statistics • English language proficiency Personal Attributes: • Strong observational skills • Attention to detail • Manual dexterity for laboratory work • Physical ability for farm work • Commitment to animal welfare • Professional ethics • Analytical thinking • Communication skills CERTIFICATES AWARDED Upon successful completion: Diploma in Aquaculture and Disease Treatment o Internationally recognized credential o Professional designation ________________________________________ PROGRAM ACCREDITATION This program is designed to meet standards of: • World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) • World Aquaculture Society • American Fisheries Society - Fish Health Section • Global Aquaculture Alliance • National aquaculture regulatory bodies The Diploma in Aquaculture and Disease Treatment prepares students for professional careers in aquaculture health management. This comprehensive program combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, equipping graduates with the skills needed to maintain healthy, productive aquaculture operations and contribute to the sustainable growth of the global aquaculture industry. Program Mission: To develop highly competent aquaculture health professionals who can prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases in aquatic animals while promoting sustainable and ethical aquaculture practices worldwide. Building healthier aquatic animals for a sustainable future and our health