Training of Hendrik Stander (M. Phil Aquaculture) in fish disease diagnostics
 
ABSTRACT
 
In 1995, the University of Stellenbosch launched a project to promote small scale fish farming in rural communities in favour of previously disadvantaged communities. The Programme has proven its ability to make a meaningful contribution to the per capita income and nutritional status of these communities, whilst it also provides a means for the development of human resources. However, outbreaks of different diseases underlined the importance of a proper fish health and disease management. In recognition of this need the Division of Aquaculture, Stellenbosch University, South Africa and the Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, together with a former collaborator of the FIWI working as a fish veterinarian in Switzerland have established an active collaboration in the field of fish disease diagnostics. This collaboration started with a RFPP project¹ evaluating the status on fish diseases in South Africa, was then followed by training of researchers, students and veterinarians at Stellenbosch University in 2005². In 2006 Danica Resoort³ performed a training in Switzerland in fish disease diagnostics which considerably attributed to the knowledge on fish health issues in the above mentioned program. In order to maintain the achieved status further high quality training of fish health specialists is crucial. To be effective this training has to include both, laboratory techniques as well as practical on-site approaches.
 
A four week intensive training will introduce Hendrik Stander (M phil aquaculture) into various aspects of fish disease diagnostics and fish health management methods. The training will include two separate parts:
 
Introduction in laboratory techniques to diagnose parasites, bacteria, fungi, viruses and (histo-) pathological alterations of organs. This part of the training will be provided at the FIWI.
 
On-site training in sampling techniques, strategies in disease prevention and management practices will be provided by fishdoc (Dr. Ralph Knüsel), an experienced fish veterinarian.

¹ “Development and implementation of an Aquaculture Health Management Plan in support of the Small Scale Fish Farming Programme in rural communities of South Africa” (2003-2005). This two-year project was supported by the Research Fellow Partnership Programme (RFPP) of the Centre for International Agriculture (ZIL), Zurich.
² “Fish diseases and fish health management in Southern Africa”. September 2005, supported by KFPE.
³ “Training in fish disease diagnostics and fish health management”. May 2006, supported by KFPE

Contacts:
Dr. Danie Brink
Division of Aquaculture
Department of Genetics
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
7602 Matieland, Stellenbosch
South Africa
db@sun.ac.za
 
PD Dr. Thomas Wahli and Prof Helmut Segner
Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FiWi)
Institute of Animal Pathology
Vetsuisse Faculty
Laenggass-Str. 122
P.O. Box 8466
CH-3001 Bern
Switzerland
thomas.wahli@itpa.unibe.ch
 
Dr. Ralph Knüsel
fishdoc GmbH
Schaubhus
CH-6026 Rain
Switzerland
info@fishdoc.ch