Designed for fish farm operatives and managers, this interactive course will aid in the early recognition of disease, the awareness of welfare regulations and the enhancement of fish quality.
While primarily aimed at those with hands-on fish farming roles, it is also relevant to processors, supply companies, supermarket buyers, pharmaceutical company employees and students. It is designed to align with regulations and guidelines, such as the SSPO’s code of good practice, as well as salmon farming accreditation schemes such as RSPCA Assured (previously Freedom Food).
On successful completion of the course students will be able to apply the principles of animal welfare to farmed fish. The course will help them with correct nutrition and feeding systems, transportation, monitoring of the environment, veterinary health planning, husbandry and best practice during harvesting. This will help to ensure high standards of welfare and have a positive effect on product quality.
Course leader, Angela Ashby, says: “In any production animal industry, maintaining a high level of welfare is intrinsic to the success of the businesses involved – so health and welfare training for staff working on fish farms is always important. It’s well recognised that fish with a high welfare status will remain healthier, grow faster and result in the highest quality product at the end of the production cycle.
“On the other hand, if fish welfare is compromised, there is an increased likelihood of disease and mortalities. As a result, the volume and quality of your product can be reduced. As such, not only do we have a moral obligation to maintain a high level of fish welfare, but it also makes good business sense to do so.”
“There is also an increasing level of public awareness and concern around the welfare of all farmed animals, including fish, and poor welfare conditions can reduce demand for these products. Recognition of this has led to the development of a number of assurance schemes which now require a basic level of training for all staff working with fish. Many retailers now require that their salmon suppliers comply with these schemes,” continues Ashby, who is also head of clinical services at Fish Vet Group.
Developed by industry experts, with over 30 years’ joint experience and extensive knowledge of delivering aquaculture training courses, The Health and Welfare of Atlantic Salmon has been designed to allow maximum flexibility for those with busy working schedules. The course can be completed in an attendee’s own time frame and pace, and – as it is online – means that there are no travel and accommodation costs.
For further information about the course please contact Chris Findlay: chris.findlay@fishvetgroup.com
To book a place/places on the course please contact Ian Hames: ian.hames@5mpublishing.com
