Health and Pathology of Aquatic Animals

Code:

MA323

Acronym:

SPAA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Applied Biology

Instance: 2023/2024 - 1T (of 11-09-2023 to 27-10-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Aquatic Production
Course/CS Responsible:	Aquatic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LCMA	26	Official Study Plan	3	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Provide students with knowledge in Animal Health and Pathology, paying special attention to the most frequent pathogens in aquatic animals, in particular in aquacultured fish, given their great importance in terms of food and economics. Present an in-depth look at the various diagnostic methods, advantages and disadvantages and the difficulties in their application to diseases of aquatic animals. Sensitize students to the various aspects in the prevention of diseases in aquatic animals, their impact in aquatic production (economic, social and environmental) and to the importance of an increased investment in sanitary prophylaxis measures.

Learning outcomes and competences

Have knowledge about the different practices and methods of controlling diseases in aquaculture, namely the importance of sanitary prophylaxis. Have a thorough understanding of the various diagnostic methods and their difficulties and limitations. Know the predisposing factors for the occurrence of diseases, as well as the main diseases that affect aquaculture production. Know the various methods of disease prevention in aquatic animals, such as the application of probiotics, immunostimulants and vaccination strategies.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Introduction
Introduction to the theoretical and practical components of the course
2. Necropsy, Sampling and Diagnosis
Necropsy, collection and shipping of biological material for diagnosis. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Parasite research. Ichthyobacteria research. Isolation, characterization and identification of ichthyobacteria. Different diagnostic methods (classic, immunological, molecular). Advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic methods.
3. General pathology
General pathology. Basic concepts underlying the various pathological processes.
4. Parasitoses
Introduction to parasitic diseases. Predisposing factors for the outbreak of parasitic diseases. Microscopic observation and identification of the most common parasites. Ways to combat the appearance of parasites. Theoretical notions of parasites belonging to several taxonomic groups.
5. Ichthiobacteriosis
Introduction to diseases of bacterial etiology. Incubation period, symptoms and / or injuries, diagnosis and prognosis. Understanding the evolution of bacterial infections and predisposing factors. Concept of carrier animals. Practice in the identification and classification of ichthiopathogenic bacteria. Theoretical notions about the most important ichthyobacterioses.
6. Mycoses and viruses in aquatic animals
Cutaneous and systemic mycoses. Consequences of viral infection. Notion of virulence. Persistent viral infections (carriers). Virus transmission in fish (horizontal and vertical transmission). Notions of ways to identify viruses.
7. Disease control in aquaculture
Different aquaculture control practices and methods. Difficulties of therapy in fish farming. The vital importance of health prophylaxis versus therapeutic measures. The different levels of action and their consequences: in the production unit, at national level and international cooperation. Mandatory reporting diseases.
8. Vaccination, Immunostimulants and Probiotics
Vaccination of aquatic animals. Vaccination methods (oral, injection and bath). Considerations in vaccine design (examples). General notions about immunostimulants and probiotics.
9. Introductions and Transfers
Concept of introductions and transfers. Deliberate or accidental introductions and their consequences. Code of Good Practice for Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms. Main target species for introduction and transfer.

Mandatory literature

Noga, Edward J; Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010
Austin, Brian & Newaj-Fyzul, Aweeda ; Diagnosis and Control of Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, Wiley, 2017
Jeney, Galina; Fish Diseases: Prevention and Control Strategies, Academic Press, 2017

Complementary Bibliography

Lucas, John S; Southgate, Paul C; Tucker, Craig S; Aquaculture: Farming Aquatic Animals and Plants, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2019. ISBN: 9781119230861

Teaching methods and learning activities

Presential with theoretical classes and mixed theoretical-practical/practical classes. B-learning or e-learning could also be implemented if needed.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	25,00
Exame	75,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	65,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	1,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Students must be present in at least 3/4 of the practical lessons.

Calculation formula of final grade

A - Final exam (75%)
B - Preparation and presentation of scientific paper (25%)
Final grade - A x 0,75 + B x 0,25

Lack of presentation of scientific paper implies a classification of zero (0) for this component, in which final grade - A x 0,75 + 0

Examinations or Special Assignments

Preparation and presentation of scientific paper

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Examination equal to other students, benefiting from the special dates in accordance with the rules in force at ICBAS. Student-workers, with dispensation for pratical classes, the final grade will the the exam grade (A - 100%)

Classification improvement

Examination for grade improvement in accordance with the rules in force at ICBAS, keeping the same grade for the other evaluation components.