Welfare focus of fish vets forum

WELFARE in farmed fish is the main theme of this year’s Fish Vet Society (FVS) conference, to be held near Edinburgh from March 26-27.

The subject will be examined from three distinct angles: training in welfare, responsible use of therapeutants, and prevention strategies.

Speakers include Dr Francis Murray and Dr Andrew Desbois from Stirling University’s Institute of Aquaculture, who will talk about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different aquaculture markets and in cleaner fish.

Alex Pargana, also of Stirling University, will discuss training in fish health, along with Mary Fraser of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).

Other speakers include Amy Jackson of RUMA (the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture); Camilla Wilson of MSD, who will highlight innovative vaccination tools; Ana Silva of Elanco; and Rosa Merino of HIPRA, a veterinary pharmaceutical company.

Pharmaq/Zoetis will also be present to address the role of vaccination in the growth of the global aquaculture industry.

The keynote speaker for the conference is Julie HeskethLaird, CEO of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).

And the SSPO’s Iain Berrill will also be on hand, speaking about prevention strategies in fish farming.

The conference will be opened by Nikos Steiropoulos, junior vice president of the FVS and aquaculture business manager at MSD.

Day two opens with a session on ornamental fish, followed by the ‘clinical club’ – a chance for fish vets and fish health professionals to share their experiences.

Among the expert speakers is Mowi head vet Meritxell Padrisa, who will offer insights into Pasteurella skyensis outbreaks in Atlantic salmon.

The last session of the second day will be on refinement in regulated procedures and husbandry for lab animals.

The conference takes place on Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, with a conference dinner on the Tuesday night, at Houstoun House, Uphall. Visit www.fishvetsociety.org. uk