Mechanical delousing on fish vet agenda

Manufacturers of the Skamic fish wash, Steinsvik’s Thermolicer and Stingray’s louse laser will all be giving presentations on the afternoon of the first day, in what is set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated sessions of the two-day event. However, this will be but one of a selection of quality discussions and other topics are set include environmental management, crustacean welfare and the impact of Brexit on medicine availability – with a broad range of academic experts and industry players amongst the speakers.

The veterinarian in charge of organising this annual event, Fish Vet Group’s Matthijs Metselaar, told Fish Farming Expert: “Our theme is putting the fish first and we aim to have a good balance between industry and academia – with the value of applied research very much to the fore, making it very relevant to the aquaculture sector.”

And the industry seems to agree, as Ian Armstrong of Nevis Marine – who is a long-time supporter of the Fish Vet Society – explained to Fish Farming Expert: “One of my core beliefs is summarised by the quotation: ‘Look after the fish and they will look after you’. It is a credit to the Society that they welcome non-veterinarians as associate members and this has made the conference such a useful industry forum for fish welfare”.

Rising stars

Meanwhile Matthijs is also keen to emphasise how the event can enthuse up-and-coming researchers, not least by showing them how even some of the most basic research can be relevant.

“We always try to involve the next generation in these events and show them how they can apply their research – even of the most basic sort – in the field,” he says.

“One of our key objectives is to encourage the brightest and best veterinarian students to enter our young industry and we are therefore sponsoring ten students to come and present to the conference,” adds the vet.

He also points out that the Society has coordinated this year’s event with the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA), who will be holding their conference the following day in the same venue.

Matthijs expects there to be at least 80 delegates in attendance, while he expects the number may well reach capacity – of 100 people – so he suggests that those wishing to attend register soon.

Registration and further details can be found at www.fishvetsociety.org.uk and  www.lasa.co.uk