The growth of aquaculture in the global food chain as well as increasing concerns of environmental contamination by medicines used in aquaculture, makes it imperative that the highest possible quality of animal health services should be provided. Veterinary education establishments around the world have curriculum that educate veterinary students in the practice of aquatic veterinary medicine and those that have not incorporated this specialization into their curriculum, are encouraged to do so. Continuing education courses are also available to further the education of graduate veterinarians. The Competent Authorities should ensure that the veterinary personnel working in the domain of aquatic animal health/ hygiene are provided with the relevant extra-courses in animal health, animal welfare, epidemiology, environment protection and legislation.
The WVA and World Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Association (WAVMA) urge their members to engage with the competent authorities and the veterinary statutory bodies within their regions, nations and states to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine in the field of aquatic animals and to restrict such practice to licensed/registered veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals who work under the supervision of veterinarians.