In 2017 the University of Florida received funding from USDA- NIFA to provide advanced training in aquaculture medicine to 8 practicing rural veterinarians selected from a national pool of applicants. Participating veterinarians, Fellows, were selected from 6 states (California, Florida, Idaho, Texas, Utah, and Washington) and areas of expertise ranged from traditional dairy, to rural and companion animal practice. When the program was initiated, two Fellows were engaged in some level of aquaculture practice . Two years of training is being provided and includes 12 credit hours of on-line formal graduate education; additional learning materials including 14 hours of lecture material designed to supplement information provided in formal course work; and a one-week hands-on practicum to provide training in diagnostic methodologies as well as on-the-farm interactions with producers. Currently the program is providing support for the F ellows in development of professional relationships with aquaculture businesses in their local communities.
A ll F ellows have completed the one-week practicum and are on track to complete required course work by August 2020 . All fellows are actively engaged in providing professional services to aquaculture businesses in their communities.
Acquiring an appropriate level of understanding of water quality parameters and life support systems, particularly the nuance of recirculating systems and associated technology, was considered a barrier by most F ellows prior to participating in this training program. The experience of working on farms and speaking directly with producers about production issues and successes was also a skill that F ellows felt they needed help with. After the first year of the program Fellows reported an i mproved understanding of animal physiology and production systems. We believe this approach of targeted training has demonstrated its effectiveness and will improve veterinary support for some aquaculture businesses in rural parts of the U.S.