AQUAMED

AQUAMED '08
COURSE LECTURES
LABORATORIES AND FIELD TRIPS
COURSE REGISTRATION
MEETING LOCATION AND TRAVEL
COLLEGE CREDIT
CONTINUING EDUCATION
FACULTY
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

AQUAMED 2008
The Gulf States Consortium of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, Mississippi State University, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Florida offers a four-week aquatic animal pathobiology course, AQUAMED, every other year in even-numbered years. The next course will be held from June 2–28, 2008. The objective of AQUAMED is to impart an understanding of health management techniques and pathological processes relating to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of important aquatic animal diseases. Ornamental fish, commercially important fin fish, and shellfish will be emphasized. An overview of reptiles, marine mammals, and aquatic laboratory animals will be presented. Nationally and internationally recognized individuals will present topics relating to culture, maintenance, and health care of aquatic animals. Class size will be limited in order to allow maximum hands-on activities. Weeks 1, 2, and 4 will be held at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Week 3 will be conducted at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) facility in Cocodrie, LA.

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COURSE LECTURES
In weeks 1 & 2, lecture material is designed to give the student a strong background in the nature of the aquatic environment and in the anatomical and physiological basis for an aquatic existence. Major infectious, parasitic, nutritional, and environmental diseases of aquatic animals are presented in weeks 3 & 4.

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LABORATORIES AND FIELD TRIPS
The laboratory portion of the course will emphasize hands on, case-based learning experiences designed to give the student an understanding of the integrated nature of aquatic animal health problems. Environmental conditions and management procedures will be evaluated in relation to necropsy findings in order to make effective prevention and control decisions.

Lecture and laboratory material will be reinforced with a series of field trips to commercial facilities, where integrated health management will be observed and discussed in real world situations. A behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans will familiarize the students with the workings of a large commercial aquarium. In addition, collecting trips will be made in the Louisiana marsh at the LUMCON facility to obtain specimens for parasitic evaluation.

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COURSE REGISTRATION
The course fee includes lodging for all four weeks, transportation for course related trips, course materials, class photo, AQUAMED t-shirt, and the AQUAMED 2008 Course Manual. Lodging at LSU is provided in an on campus apartment with private bedrooms and kitchen facilities. Lodging at LUMCON for the third week is provided in an air-conditioned dormitory and meals at LUMCON are included in the registration fee. Participants are responsible for their own meals during the other weeks of the course and are invited to sample our exceptional Louisiana cuisine. Travel for field trips and to LUMCON is included in the course fee.

Download 2008 registration form (pdf)

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MEETING LOCATION AND TRAVEL
School of Veterinary Medicine,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Contact: Dr. Ron Thune - (225) 578-9680; FAX (225) 578-9701; thune@vetmed.lsu.edu.

If you fly into Baton Rouge Metro Airport, transportation from the airport to campus will be provided. Detailed travel information will be sent to all students accepted for the course, including arrival and departure information. Participants opting to fly into New Orleans are responsible for their own transportation to Baton Rouge.

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COLLEGE CREDIT
The course qualifies for four semester credit hours if college credit if desired. Arrangement for university credit will need to be made by registering for an equivalent course at the applicant's home institution. Upon successful completion of the course, a course grade will be provided. Grading will be based on class participation, case-study reports, and exams.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION
The AQUAMED course qualifies for 16 CEUs of credit, for which all non-student participants will be eligible upon successful completion of the course.

FACULTY
Dr. Al Camus, University of Georgia

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TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE — Subject to change

• Water Quality

  • Salinity, Temperature, Alkalinity, Hardness

  • Dissolved oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, pH

  • Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate

  • H₂S, Iron, Chlorine, Total Gas Pressure

• Water Quality Management

• Aquarium Setup

• Catfish Culture and Husbandry

• Field Trip — Catfish Farm and Processing Plant

• Water Quality in Recirculating Systems

• Water Quality Case Evaluations

• Field Trip — Tilapia Farm/Water Quality Testing

• Marine Mammal Anatomy

• Marine Mammal Clinical

• Marine Mammal Necropsy

• Gross and Microscopic Anatomy of Fin Fish

  • Epidermis, Swim Bladder Function

  • Digestive, Excretory, Endocrine

  • Circulatory, Hematology

  • Gills & Osmoregulation, Nervous System

  • Immunology, Musculoskeletal

  • Reproduction/Development

• Gross Anatomy Laboratories

• Microscopic Anatomy Laboratories

• Tour of the Aquarium of the Americas

• Fish Necropsy

• Tropical Fish Health Management

• Field Trip — Koi Farm

• Virology

• Gram Negative Bacterial Pathogens

• Gram Positive Bacterial Pathogens

• Infectious Disease Case Evaluations

• Warm Water, Salmonids, Crustaceans

• Fungal Pathogens of Fish

• Fish Immunity and Vaccination

• Alligator Husbandry & Health Management

• Alligator Necropsy

• Departures from Baton Rouge after 5 pm

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since 9 October 2007

LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
Skip Bertman Drive • Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Telephone: 225-578-9900 • Fax: 225-578-9916 • E-mail: svmweb@vetmed.lsu.edu

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