General information about a Fish Pathologist

		See also
		Case study
		Occupational profile for fish pathologist

General Profession Title

Common Responsibilities of a Fish Pathologist

Fish Pathologists, working in the field are primarily responsible for ensuring the health and well being of the consumers of farmed fish. To do this, Fish Pathologists have to tend to the well being of the farmed stocks, take all preventive measures to protect the farmed populations from disease, and administer the proper treatments when necessary. Some Fish Pathologists may work mainly in the laboratory, specialising in areas such as Microbiology, Paracitology or Immunology.

Relation to Aquaculture

Within the aquaculture sector, fish pathologists pay close attention to all farming procedures, in absolute accordance with best practices, as these are the most appropriate preventive methods against disease.

It is important to provide non-stress conditions for the farmed fish as this enables them to develop a strong immune system capable of fighting disease outbreaks. In order to do this the Fish Pathologist needs to work closely with the management of the farm as well as with all personnel.

The Fish pathologist needs to keep regular and detailed records of the farm, which includes notes covering several important issues - stocking densities, feeding, days of treatment and regular mortality rates. The pathologist must be informed if an outbreak occurs. He/she must then take all preventive measures to curb the spread of the outbreak and also, inform the authorities of the outbreak.

The fish pathologist must have total control over the treatments and medicines kept on the farm and therefore, have the ultimate responsibility for whatever uses they are put to.

The role of the fish pathologist working in the hatchery is very important from an economic point of view as he/she is not dealing with problems directly associated with public health. The primary considerations of fish pathologists in this case, are the production of viable fry for further growing, and the prevention of disease outbreaks during the early life stages of the fish.

If you would like specific information and qualifications necessary to become certified as a fish pathologist, please see Institute of Aquaculture at The University of Stirling or go to ‘occupational profile’ link.”

If you would like to read an interview with a Fish Pathologist , please click the ‘case study’ link.