It is recommended that you have completed year 12 TCE biology or equivalent, or higher.
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 |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
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 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.