Weber E S, Blanc G, Hedrick R P
Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Rev Sci Tech. 2009 Aug;28(2):551-8. doi: 10.20506/rst.28.2.1893.
Fish are the largest class of vertebrates, with over 25,000 estimated species and subspecies. Fish have evolved unique anatomical and physiological adaptations, when compared to terrestrial vertebrates, for life in a range of aquatic environments. Interest in aquatic animal health has been recorded in Eastern and Western cultures for more than 2,000 years. In recent times, there has been an increase in the numbers of aquatic animals being used as companion animals or pets, for food and in laboratories, as well as in restoration and conservation programmes. There has also been a corresponding increase in concern for their health and welfare. Moral and ethical considerations require the optimisation of husbandry practices and advances in aquatic animal health for these animals. As with other vertebrates, veterinarians are best equipped to meet the challenges for aquatic animal health from clinical, scientific and legal perspectives. To accomplish this goal, veterinary education must incorporate aquatic animal health throughout graduate curricula, create advanced postgraduate training opportunities, and support a continuum of professional development opportunities for all levels of aquatic animal health expertise.
鱼类是脊椎动物中最大的类群，估计有超过25000个物种和亚种。与陆生脊椎动物相比，鱼类在一系列水生环境中生活，已经进化出独特的解剖学和生理学适应性。在东西方文化中，对水生动物健康的关注已有2000多年的记录。近年来，用作伴侣动物或宠物、用于食品、实验室研究以及用于恢复和保护计划的水生动物数量有所增加。对它们健康和福利的关注也相应增加。出于道德和伦理考虑，需要优化这些动物的饲养管理方法并推动水生动物健康领域的进步。与其他脊椎动物一样，兽医最有能力从临床、科学和法律角度应对水生动物健康方面的挑战。为实现这一目标，兽医教育必须在整个研究生课程中纳入水生动物健康内容，创造高级研究生培训机会，并为各级水生动物健康专业知识提供持续的专业发展机会。
