Aquatic animal health professionals diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of aquatic animals by implementing appropriate sampling protocols. They supervise the use of medicines, including vaccines, and collect data on fish health, making regular reports to the appropriate personnel. They may provide care to a wide range of aquatic animals or specialise in the treatment of a particular group or in a particular speciality area. They may provide advice, support and training to farm staff on best practice with regard to the health and welfare of the cultured organisms.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Determining the presence and nature of abnormal conditions by physical examination, laboratory testing and through diagnostic imaging techniques including radiography and ultrasound;
(b) Treating animals medically and surgically, and administering and prescribing drugs, analgesics, and general and local anaesthetics;
(c) Performing surgery, dressing wounds and setting broken bones;
(d) Rendering obstetric and dental services to animals;
(e) Participating in programmes designed to prevent the occurrence and spread of animal diseases;
(f) Inoculating animals against, and testing for, infectious diseases and notifying authorities of outbreaks of infectious animal diseases;
(g) Performing autopsies to determine cause of death;
(h) Advising clients on health, nutrition and feeding, hygiene, breeding and care of animals;
(i) Providing euthanasia services for animals.