Module I : Fundamentals of operational farm health management in Aquaculture

This advanced training prepares experts to support farmers in disease prevention, biosecurity, surveillance, and product quality—from farm to national level.

KEY COURSE INFORMATION

  • Format: Hybrid (Online + Residential)

  • Who it’s for? Aquaculture veterinarians and professionals

  • Language: English

  • Duration: 5-day residential + 40h online module

  • Certificate: Part of the WVEPAH Certification Program

A comprehensive and practical training program designed for aquaculture health professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in aquatic animal health, biosecurity, diagnostics, epidemiology, and farm management. Delivered under the One Health approach, the program combines scientific knowledge and field-based training to strengthen sustainable aquaculture systems from farm to national and international levels.

Why join this course

  • Earn an internationally recognized certification in aquaculture health and biosecurity

  • Learn from leading global experts in aquaculture, veterinary medicine, and aquatic health

  • Develop practical skills for real-world farm and field situations

  • Gain expertise in disease prevention, surveillance, and outbreak management

  • Support sustainable and responsible aquaculture production

  • Become qualified to advise farmers, farms, and institutions

  • Access a global professional network

  • Combine online learning with hands-on field and laboratory training

What you will learn

  • Aquatic animal anatomy, physiology, and welfare

  • Major bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases in aquaculture

  • Farm diagnostics, necropsy techniques, and laboratory sampling

  • Biosecurity, hygiene, and disease prevention strategies

  • Aquaculture systems, water quality, and environmental management

  • Feed, nutrition, and performance assessment

  • Epidemiology, surveillance, and outbreak response

  • Vaccination, treatment strategies, and post-production quality management

When? 16-20 November, 2026

Where? James Cook University in Singapore

Price?

  • Early bird rate: €2,400 (until October 31st)

  • Regular fee: €2,600

  • The course fee includes:

    • Access to online course materials (for 7 years)

    • Final exam administered by Université de Montréal

    • Dinners and two coffee breaks per day during the residential week

  • Please note that the fee does not include accommodation, transportation, health insurance, or visa costs.

  • Members of WAVMA are eligible for a €100 discount upon registration, subject to proof of membership.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

WEPAH, as a non-profit organization, cannot offer direct financial assistance for courses. However, If you are interested in attending but would require financial support, you may contact us at info@wvepah.org with your name, email address, company or organization and country of residence.

WVEPAH cannot guarantee any funding but may be able to facilitate sponsorship for your participation in our advance training modules.

DETAILED PROGRAM

ONLINE PART

Available now

Topics covered

  • General overview on aquaculture production

  • Holistic approach adapted to farming systems and the notion of disease in aquaculture

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Genetics applied to aquaculture

  • Production Structures  and environment in aquaculture

  • Feed, feeding and nutrition in freshwater and marine species

  • Biosecurity & Hygiene organisation in Aquaculture, welfare

  • Management of a farm system

  • Diagnostic: Disease, clinical approach, Detection of pathologies and main lesions (theory)

  • Pathologies: Viral diseases and susceptible species and biological stages

  • Pathology: Fungal and oomycete diseases

  • WOAH principles

RESIDENTIAL PART

Topics covered

  • Global aquaculture production overview and key species

  • Parasitic diseases and case-based clinical interpretation

  • Viral, bacterial, fungal, and shellfish pathologies

  • Hands-on diagnostics: necropsy, sampling, and microscopy

  • Wet lab training and lesion identification techniques

  • Biosecurity and hygiene management at farm and watershed level

  • Fish welfare, handling, transport, and production practices

  • Disease surveillance, detection, and outbreak response

  • Therapeutics, treatment strategies, and resistance management

  • Vaccination programs and preventive health strategies

  • Farm system evaluation and performance assessment

  • Post-production quality control and supply chain impacts

*The schedule listed is subject to change. Minor adjustments may occur.

COURSE MASTERS (ONLINE COMPONENT)

    • Holistic Health Management: Ensuring sustainable farm performance through balanced systems.

    • Key Farm Components: Management, environment, animals, feed, biosecurity, and farmer involvement.

    • Disease Diagnosis: Clinical approach, symptoms, and lesions; farmer-vet collaboration.

    • On-Farm Veterinary Visits: When and how to assess problems, collect information, and support farmers.

    • Anatomy and physiology

    • Pathology:  Fungal and oomycete diseases

    • Anatomy & Physiology ; Overview in shellfish.

    • Genetics applied to aquaculture

    • Production structures and environment in aquaculture

    • Feed, feeding and nutrition in freshwater and marine species

    • Epidemiology in aquaculture

    • Main pathologies in aquaculture

    • Pathologies: Viral diseases and susceptible species and biological stages.

    • Management of a farm system

    • On-farm clinical diagnosis & triage

    • Diagnostic workflow, lab confirmation & action.

    • WOAH Principles

COURSE MASTERS (RESIDENTIAL COMPONENT)