The World Veterinary Education in Production Animal Health (WVEPAH), a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing veterinary education and promoting sustainable practices in production animal health, announces registration for Module I: Fundamentals of Farm Health management in Aquaculture.

Programme goal

This advanced training and certification programme was developed at the request of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to support sustainable aquaculture development for human consumption and improve global aquaculture competencies under the "One Health" perspective. The programme prepares experts to support farmers in disease prevention, biosecurity, surveillance, and product quality, from farm to national level.

Certification and recognition

The certification is granted by international institutions: Université de Montréal for quality control and academic diploma delivery, and WOAH for worldwide recognition. Certified professionals are recognised as international experts and will acquire the ability to become key auditors supporting farmers for biosecurity, disease management, prevention, surveillance, and product quality. They will also be internationally recognised in the aquaculture network as trainers for trainers, able to work at farm level, watershed level, and regional and national levels.

Course format and dates

• Hybrid delivery: 40 hours online + 40 hours residential
• Residential week: James Cook University, Singapore Campus, 2-6 March 2026

Course content

Module I adopts a holistic One Health approach to aquaculture health management. Experts will learn about:

• Pathogens
• Species specificity and physiology
• Farming structures and environmental conditions
• Feed (nutrition) and feeding
• Farm management
• Physiology and pathology
• Biosecurity and hygiene
• Diagnostic techniques and medication
• Epidemiology
• International regulations and WOAH standards
• Working with farmers at farm, watershed, national, and international levels

Through field visits and diagnostic laboratories, participants develop practical skills in necropsy, sampling, and case analysis to strengthen disease prevention and farm performance. The programme provides tools to identify limiting factors and deliver solutions in the field.

Programme objectives

• Deliver comprehensive farm health management training applicable at farm, watershed, and national levels
• Strengthen collaboration with farmers to improve disease prevention, biosecurity, and responsible antibiotic use
• Enhance communication between veterinarians and producers for better health outcomes
• Promote a One Health approach supporting food security and public health
• Develop global capacity in reporting, surveillance, and holistic farm auditing

Who should attend

Veterinarians and aquaculture professionals seeking worldwide certification in Aquaculture Production and Health.

Registration and fees

• Early bird registration: €2,400 (register and pay before 2 January 2026)
• Regular fee: €2,600
• WAVMA member discount: €100 (proof of membership required)

The course fee includes access to course materials, examination administered by Université de Montréal, membership in a private Facebook group, dinners, and two coffee breaks per day during the residential week. Accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and travel visa expenses are not included.

Programme and Registration

Please download the programme below or visit the World Veterinary Education in Production Animal Health website for full details and registration.