Although disease is a leading cause of lost revenue, many aquaculture facilities do not have strong working relationships with veterinarians. Several factors continue to hinder formation of these connections, including: a) availability of local veterinarians with interest or expertise in production aquaculture medicine, b) failure of many aquaculture business plans to correctly factor health and disease management costs, c) lack of understanding of how to maximize veterinary collaboration and its difference relative to current often more reactionary health and disease management. Programs to educate veterinarians in aquaculture medicine and to educate producers on the value of veterinary collaboration have increased since the 19 80s. These have been provided by state agencies and universities, continuing education at veterinary conferences and fish health meetings, and most recently, a USDA NIFA grant administered through the University of Florida. Various avenues exist to facilitate locating veterinarians. Aquaculture business plans, especially those requiring investment, often inadvertently overestimate production capacity by underestimating disease incidence and costs for management. More accurate plans requires greater transparency and collaboration between economists, production managers, and health professionals. Finally, veterinarians can enhance aquaculture businesses by assisting with development of holistic health and biosecurity plans, disease diagnostics, emerging diseases, health inspections, and interpreting regulations.