Addressing press on Friday, Dr K.M. Shankar, Dean (Fisheries), College of Fisheries, Mangalore, said that with the introduction of aquatic medicine subject in B.F.Sc (Bachelor of Fisheries Science) course, henceforth fisheries graduates can prescribe drugs to aquatic animals like their counterparts in veterinary, reports TheHinduBusinessLine.
Stating that aquatic production in the country is witnessing growth of around eight per cent every year, he said it is contributing more than 50 per cent of total fish production. Diseases in aquatic fishes are causing a huge loss. In such a situation, health management has become crucial in the growth of aquaculture, he said.
Though use of drugs and antibiotics in tropical aquaculture has been initiated, it has remained a low-key affair. Now the aquaculture in Asia, India in particular, is growing, there is a need to build up a sound aquatic medicine practice with good pharmacology and toxicology backup.
The College of Fisheries, Mangalore, is the first one in the country to introduce aquatic medicine subjects, including pharmacology and toxicology, in B.F.Sc programme, Dr Shankar said.
Dr Shankar said that the college is in talks with National Fisheries Development Board to train the existing fisheries graduates, who are working in various sectors, on aquatic medicine.
Fisheries Course to Include Aquatic Medicine
INDIA - The College of Fisheries, Mangalore, will introduce aquatic medicine subjects in the degree curriculum, according to its Dean.
by Lucy Towers
