A significant gap currently exists in Africa : in Aquatic veterinary and para-veterinary capacity, supporting aquatic diagnostic infrastructure , aquatic-focused research, and training and skills development. Global aquaculture production is growing exponentially, yet African aquaculture is struggling to follow suit. One of the key reasons for this is the impact of aquatic disease. To speak into these challenges, the Aquatic Veterinary Health Unit at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, was established.
Building on the veterinary faculty’s history of over 100 years of significant input into veterinary education and support within the animal health sector and industry, a well- established infrastructure, and global accreditation, t he aquatic unit has been well positioned to address some of the identified gaps. A phased development strategy was implemented with the three fundamental pillars of a quatic veterinary and para-veterinary education, practical industry- relevant research outputs, and meaningful service and support to industry. Initial f ocus was on equipping interested undergraduate Veterinary and Veterinary Nurse students with the necessary skills to ensure d ay- one competency in Aquatic Veterinary Medicine, providing a platform and resources for both under and post-graduate level aquatic research, development of and accessibility to relevant aquatic diagnostic tools to support the sector, and fostering interaction and connection between various academic institutions , government and industry. This has been strengthened through inclusion of a collaborative aquatic training course with Michigan State University, development of the first African one-year A quatic I nternship P rogram with Ushaka Marine World and African Aquatic Veterinary Services , hosting and skil- sharing in aquaculture farmer workshops and wet-labs at Onderstepoort, and a soon-to-be-released online aquatic seminar series. Our hope is that the unit will provide a platform for the development and growth of aquatic veterinary medicine in Africa , where V ets and Paravets , at both under and post-graduate level, farmers and industry players can learn, undertake research and connect, and in so doing, add to a healthy African aquatic veterinary workforce.