The first group of aquatic animal health specialists certified in China

Some of the trainees are practising fish dissection and sampling

15 August 2007
Zilong Tan, Intervet China

After an intensive 15-day training, 22 trainees from Guangdong Province successfully passed the exams and received a certificate as aquatic animal health specialists on August 15, 2007. The program consisted of both theoretical and hands-on courses related to diseases in fish and shrimp, diagnostic techniques, pharmacology, regulation of medications and disease control. The trainees were professionals specializing in aquaculture and health management. 

According to Mr. Chen Wen, Director of the Guangdong Provincial Aquatic Diseases Prevention Center, the Province selected Foshan's Shunde District and the city of Zhanjiang as pilot regions. The certification program will enhance the safety of aquatic products for domestic consumption and promote the export business from Guangdong. Guangdong produced 7.24 million metric tons of aquatic products in 2006, with export value totaling US$1.58 billion. (Source: China Daily 07/08/2007). Zilong Tan from Intervet was the guest lecturer who gave an one day training module on bacterial and viral diseases in fish, diagnostic techniques and the antibiogram test.