The biannual meeting draws international participation of key industry and academic leaders to promote the latest advancements in research related to fish and shellfish pathology.
“Keeping fish free of disease is not only important to the health of the fish, but to the health of the economic impact of the aquaculture industry in Europe,” stated Robin Wardle, Aquaculture Strategic Marketing Director, MSD Animal Health.
“This meeting represents one of the best opportunities to share in the ever-growing body of science and research related to aquatic pathology from one of the most advanced aquaculture industries in the world.”
In addition to the company sponsorship, MSD Animal Health will also support a scientific session on Flavobacterium psychrophilum, a systemic disease affecting small salmon and trout in waters around the world. F. psychrophilum is currently one of the most devastating fish pathogens in the world, with the potential to affect significant economic hardship on global salmon and trout production.
Aquaculture continues to be an important industry for Europe with a steady increase over the past five years. According to the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, in 2012, European Aquaculture was responsible for more than 2.2 million tonnes of production. This represents an increase of 1.8 million tonnes since 2008.
“We have been a proud supporter of the European Association of Fish Pathologists since the organization was formed 30 years ago to promote the exchange of data and knowledge of research throughout the industry,” says Mr Wardle.
“We are happy to continue our support with this year’s meeting.”
For more information about the 16th International Conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, visit www.eafp2013.fi.
For more information about MSD Animal Health’s aquaculture business, visit http://aqua.merck-animal-health.com.
