A growing number of veterinarians in the United States are involved in fish medicine, including fish farming — or aquaculture — and related fields.
In other countries, most aquaculture facilities have several veterinarians on staff. Not so in the U.S. — at least until now — where the focus has centered on the cost of veterinary care over any benefits.
But fish farmers may be developing a greater appreciation for the skills and expertise that veterinarians can offer. Federal regulations now mandate veterinary oversight for the diagnosis and treatment of many fish diseases. In addition, a veterinary feed directive, or prescription, is now required for antibiotics to be administered in the food or water of any food animal, including fish.
The time may finally be here for fish veterinarians to reap the recognition they deserve.