Aquatic Animal Epidemiology

Aquatic Animal Epidemiology is a specialized field that studies the distribution, determinants, and control of diseases affecting aquatic animals such as fish, shellfish, and other marine and freshwater species. It plays an important role in public health, food security, and environmental sustainability by supporting safe aquaculture and fisheries management. This field focuses on understanding disease transmission, risk factors, and outbreak dynamics in aquatic populations, including bacterial, viral, parasitic, and environmental diseases. Surveillance systems, risk assessment, and biosecurity measures are essential components. Aquatic animal epidemiology also contributes to the prevention of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance linked to aquatic environments. In public health, it supports healthy food systems, protects livelihoods, and promotes ecosystem health. By improving disease prevention and control in aquatic animals, this discipline helps ensure sustainable aquaculture practices and safe aquatic food supplies for growing populations.