Aquatic Parasitology Workshop: Detection and Diagnosis
SEEKING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The First Australasian Scientific Conference on Aquatic Animal Health (5-8 July) and the Australian Society for Parasitology Conference (10-13 July) are both being held in Cairns this year. Consequently, a number of aquatic animal health experts will be in Cairns in July, enabling a tremendous opportunity to hold an Aquatic Parasitology Workshop. The workshop will be a one day intensive held on Sunday 10th of July 2011 at James Cook University, Cairns. The workshop is supported by James Cook University, the Australian Society for Parasitology, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and Australian Biological Resources Study.
The nature of the workshop
It is our intention to provide a program with broad appeal for marine parasitologists, veterinarians, aquaculture industry representatives, researchers and students. At this stage we hope that registration will be free. Alternatively, we may need to seek a nominal fee to cover bench fees, transfers, morning tea and lunch. Registration will be limited to 30 participants.
The aim of the workshop is to share knowledge of practical methods used to best determine parasitic infections in aquatic animals with approximately equivalent seminar and laboratory time. Participants will:
*Learn how to recognise signs of parasitic infection and disease
*Gain insight into the common microhabitats of major parasitic groups
* Identify major parasitic groups in fresh and preserved material
*Learn and practice methods to isolate and prepare quality specimens
*Expand their aquatic parasitology network in Australia
Aquatic Parasitology Workshop draft timetable.
In the morning, we will have 15 minute presentations on major parasite groups (with 5 mins available for question time). In the afternoon, participants will move to the laboratory and practise necropsy, identification and preservation methods using fresh fish specimens. The majority of presenters from the morning will be available to demonstrate specific techniques in the laboratory and talk with you one on one. Please see the Draft Schedule below for further details. Please note that final confirmation of the presenters and the schedule will be made in mid April. We are currently accepting expressions of interest for registrants. Please register your interest by contacting Kate Hutson, the convenor of the workshop (email: kate.hutson@jcu.edu.au) with your expression of interest to attend and we will ensure you are included in further communication about this event.
