Al Camus

Dr. Camus is an instructor of Veterinary Pathology and serves as the pathologist for the Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (AADDL).  The AADDL provides a diagnostic service to Louisiana's aquaculture industry, state fisheries biologists, other research institutions, public display aquaria, and fish hobbyists.  The laboratory handles over 500 cases per year, including catfish, red drum, hybrid striped bass, tilapia, tropical fish species, alligators, turtles, and crawfish.  Dr. Camus teaches in all four years of the professional curriculum and to graduate students on aspects of general pathology and diseases of aquatic animals.  In addition, he participates in the "Aquamed" program, an intensive course in aquatic pathobiology, taught during the summer.  Dr. Camus is a Board Member of the Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Network and is responsible for performing necropsies on marine mammals that die in Louisiana waters.   

Research Interests

Pathogenesis of infectious diseases of aquatic animals, with particular interest in diseases of aquaculture and their prevention.  Current research efforts are directed towards the identification of virulence factors in and transposon mutagenesis of Streptococcus iniae, an important bacterial pathogen of cultured tilapia and hybrid striped bass.  Other research projects include experimental lead toxicity in the American alligator, and the investigation of an invasive mycosis in the channel catfish caused by an Aphanomyces sp.,  Providencia rettgheri meningoencephalitis in farm raised American alligators, and Group C streptococcal infections in cultured tilapia.

Selected Publications

Jaffe M.H., Grooters A.M., Partington B.P., Camus A.C. and G. Hosgood.  Extensive venous thrombosis and hind-limb edema associated with adrenocortical carcinoma in a dog.  J American Animal Hospital Association 4:  306-310.  1999.

Camus A.C., M.M. Mitchell, J.F. williams, and P.L.H. Jowett.  Elevated lead levels in farmed American alligators Alligator mississippiensis consuming nutria Myocastor coypus meat contaminated by lead bullets. J World Aquaculture Society 29:  370-376.  1998.

Camus A.C., R.M. Durburow, W.G. Hemstreet, R.L. Thune and J.P. Hawke.  Aeromonas bacterial infections-motile aeromonad septicemia.  Southern Regional Aquaculture Center Publication No. 477. 1998.

Camus A.C. and M.K. Lopez.  Gastric cryptosporidiosis in juvenile red drum Sciaenops ocellatus.  J Aquatic Animal Health 8:  167-172.  1996.

Faculty | PBS Home | SVM Home | LSU Home