The recent biosecurity risk assessment of the ornamental fish industry suggests current practices are insufficient and that ornamental fish poses a biological threat to native fish, commercially cultured fish and recreational fisheries. There is negligible disease surveillance with ornamental fish after they depart quarantine facilities. There is a large pool of veterinarians across the country who can conduct disease surveillance, mirroring the practices of the livestock industry. I have generated interest from veterinarians through the sale of a self-published book, “Fish Vetting Essentials”, an e-mail list I have collated and the Unusual and Exotic Pets special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association.

I am unique in that I service the needs of a diverse variety of clients that employs the full range of activities that is assumed of a veterinarian – from individual pet fish medicine, through to large operations involving food fish; in clinical practice through to laboratory diagnostics and education.

The “Aquavet I” course I am applying for covers the most diverse range of duties, in a most cost-effective package, that an aquatic veterinarian would perform, with an emphasis on ecosystem health. This scholarship would give me an opportunity for accelerated learning and to fill the gaps in my knowledge. Upon completion of the course, I will be better positioned to provide for the end users and to impart the knowledge to other aquatic animal health providers in Australia, promoting the FRDC brand.