Module II Specialization : Health Management & biosecurity in main Aquaculture species reared around the Mediterranean

This advanced training program provides a comprehensive and practical overview of key aspects of modern aquaculture, with a focus on species commonly reared in Mediterranean countries, such as salmonids, seabass, and seabream. It is designed for professionals in aquaculture and fish health management—such as veterinarians and aquatic animal health specialists—actively working in the field. The course includes an online component and an in-person session, delivering field-relevant knowledge and practical applications.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

  • 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 program designed for aquaculture veterinarians and production professionals looking to advance their expertise in aquaculture health, diagnostics, management, and production.

Why join this course

  • Gain advanced expertise in modern aquaculture health management

  • Learn from internationally recognized aquaculture specialists

  • Develop practical skills applicable directly in the field

  • Explore both freshwater and marine species production systems

  • Strengthen your knowledge of fish pathology, diagnostics, and biosecurity

  • Understand sustainable farming practices and RAS management

  • Participate in hatchery and trout farm visits during the residential week

  • Expand your professional network within the international aquaculture sector

What you will work on

  • Physiology and development of larvae, fry, and broodstock

  • RAS systems, water quality, biofilters, and environmental management

  • Nutrition, feeding strategies, and sustainable feed formulation

  • Genetics and selective breeding programs in aquaculture

  • Biosecurity plans, hygiene procedures, and disease prevention

  • Epidemiology, disease surveillance, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

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

  • Diagnostic tools, vaccination strategies, and farm audit methodologies

When? 30 Novembre-4 December, 2026

Where? Padova, Italy

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.

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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

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Topics covered

  • Fish Physiology – Developmental stages, Larvae digestive physiology, gill and skeletal formation and deformities, metamorphosis.

  • Farm structure & Environment: Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) – System design, biosecurity, water treatment, and emergency response.

  • Nutrition & Feeding – Feed formulation principles, Important nutritional aspects and ratios of fish feed at different biological stages, species-specific needs, sustainability, and broodstock nutrition.

  • Genetics – Breeding programs and molecular tools in selection. Genetic component of deformities

  • Biosecurity & Hygiene – Hygiene and biosecurity in hatcheries, Biosecurity plans, Biosecurity in fry transportation and transfer, contingency plan, management of specific diseases with vertical transmission.

  • Pathology – Main Viral, bacterial, parasitic diseases in marine and freshwater species reared around the mediterranean.

  • Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistances: risk analysis, and surveillance. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) monitoring and management 

  • Diagnostics – Pros and cons of diagnostic methods in laboratories. Interest and limits of molecular tools. Importance of Sampling and samples transfer to the laboratory

  • Vaccination – Autologous Vaccines and Industrial Vaccines : differences / similarities. Field application of autologous and commercial vaccines. How to operate with average/low protection vaccines.

RESIDENTIAL PART

    • Visit to a Seabass and Seabream Hatchery

    • Hatchery Management

    • Trout farm visit and Audit

    • Audit Report Preparation

    • Audit Presentations & Expert Discussion

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

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