March 22, 2007

New global aquatic veterinary association formed

For the estimated 5,000-10,000 aquatic veterinarians world-wide who has so far been involved in a niche science, there is now a new organization called the Aquatic Veterinary Association which caters to their profession.

The need for the organisation springs from the growing demands of the aquaculture industry and governments who need assistance in aquatic animal health and welfare, public health and seafood safety.

Formalising a group to address the concerns of aquatic veterinary medical practitioners under a non-profit professional association would help elevate aquatic veterinary medicine from a niche area to a well recognised discipline, said Dr Peter Merrill, the Association's interim President."

Merrill said he hopes the organisation would cater to the needs of aquatic veterinarians world-wide, and to those who need their expertise.