Fish veterinarians are veterinary practitioners who work in the health and welfare of aquatic animals. This includes diagnostics, therapeutics and surgery, to name a few.
Some say this is such a “specialised” area, but to tell you the truth, you have really got to be a generalist to do aquatic veterinary medicine. Why so?
Well, a human physician need only concentrate on one species, and when they specialise, they hone in on a particular organ, or discipline. General small animal veterinary practitioners work primarily with dogs and cats. General large animal veterinary practitioners deal with a range of species including cattle, sheep, horses and more.
Now why I say fish veterinarians are specialist generalists is because we deal not only with multiple species, but phylums of animals! We are licensed veterinarians who are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide variety of aquatic species which can include fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Aquatic veterinarians may work in private practice, aquaculture facilities, aquariums, zoos, museums, laboratories and marine parks.
All aquatic veterinarians must successfully graduate with a Veterinary Degree and be registered with the relevant Veterinary Surgeon’s Board.
(Find out more about what makes a veterinarian at https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Principles-of-Veterinary-Medical-Ethics-of-the-AVMA.aspx).
After completing their studies, veterinarians may pursue post-graduate examinations and certifications to earn the title of being an aquatic veterinarian. This involves several additional years of practical training and testing under the supervision of top professionals in the specialty field.
The World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association (WAVMA) is a professional membership group that was founded in 2006 as a resource for aquatic veterinarians, technicians, students, and others with an interest in aquatic veterinary medicine. The WAVMA provides a variety of opportunities for continuing education to its members via their WebCEPD, email list-serve, and publications. Find out more about aquatic veterinarians at http://wavma.org
If you require a fish vet in Australia, check out our five locations http://thefishvet.com.au
If you’re overseas, find a fish veterinarian at http://www.aquavetmed.info/