Aquatic Animal Health unit (JFA303)

Hobart

Introduction

The purpose of this unit is to give you the knowledge necessary to recognise and identify infectious and non-infectious diseases in aquaculture and wild aquatic animals (fish, molluscs, crustaceans). In particular, the unit focuses on how the interactions among the environment, especially the changing one, the host and the present pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi) are balanced, and what it takes to tip the scale towards a disease outbreak. You will also be introduced in the fascinating "space" of immune reactions and physiological processes that daily defend the animal from alien (pathogen) and "self" carcinogenic cell invasions. Empowering you for your future professional settings, you will learn the basics of diagnostic techniques and treatments, and how to manage the health on a farm, or evaluate its health status, if in a role of animal welfare and biosecurity official. Each seminar is supported by a laboratory hands-on practical to help you develop an applicable skillset and gain experience in the field. 

Summary

Unit name	Aquatic Animal Health
Unit code	JFA303
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Fisheries and Aquaculture
Coordinator	Associate Professor Ivona Mladineo
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the relationship between host, pathogen and environment.
• Identify and describe in detail host and/or environmental parameters involved in disease processes.
• Recognise pathogens and discuss/describe in detail the pathogenesis of the diseases they produce.
• Recognise the major diseases affecting cultured fish and know how to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information to assist with the diagnosis of disease.
• Explain the theory and practice of disease control and treatment using current industry/professional examples.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050799	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$3,435.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly for 12 weeks, 2 hours seminars, 3 hours practicals
Assessment	Final Exam (20%)|Mock media release (20%)|Prac demonstration and theory questions (20%)|Interaction in the topic debate (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

1. Anone, 2022. Field Sampling of Fish for Disease Investigation and Health Monitoring, Guidelines and Procedures Manual, Centre for Aquatic Animal Health & Vaccines Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, May 2022 2. Noga EJ, 2010. Fish disease: diagnosis and treatment/ Second Edition Edward J. Noga.—2nd ed. 3. Buchmann and Secombes, 2021. Principles of Fish Immunology, From Cells and Molecules to Host Protection, Springer

Recommended

1. Roberts RJ, 2012. Fish Pathology, Wiley Blackwell 2. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic basis of disease, 9th ed. 3. Pier, Lyczak, Wetzler 2024. Immunology, Infection, and Immunity, ASM Press 4. Malagoli 2016. The Evolution of the Immune System. Conservation and Diversification. Elsevier 5. Rohde K 2005. Marine parasitology. CSIRO Publishing, Australia 6. FAO. 2023. The Progressive Management Pathway for Aquaculture Biosecurity – Guidelines for application. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper, No. 689. Rome 7.. 2024 © OIE - Aquatic Animal Health Code - 2/07/2024 8. Leatherland and Woo, 2010. Fish Diseases and Disorders, Volume 2: Non-infectious Disorders, Second Edition, CAB International

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.