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This book is the first volume of three edited by Patrick T. K. Woo which address a variety of topics as related to fin fish medicine. This first volume examines the protozoan and metazoan infections that can affect fin fish. Comprised of twenty authors, the first fifteen chapters provide an in-depth look at a variety of phyla of parasites both unicellular and multi-cellular which can affect fish. Each chapter is a well written, in-depth examination of the pertinent members of the specific phylum and the effects that they may have on specific types of fish and fish populations. Because each phylum is introduced by a different author or co-authors, the presentations are individualistic in their approach with a mixture of graphs, charts, tables, line drawings and black-and-white photographic depictions of the effects of the parasite as observed on various fish species. Although each chapter is individualistically written, there are some commonalities that add depth to the text including detailed discussions on host-parasite relationships, diagnoses, prevention and control. Ironically, these areas are perhaps the most important to a veterinary technician or assistant charged with the care of the aquaculture environment.
The book moves from an advanced look at parasites to parasitic zoonotic concerns which are of consequence to those handling and working with fin fish colonies, whether it is medically or through aquatic husbandry. In detailing a variety of zoonotic aquaculture diseases, the text very systematically addresses epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis, symptoms and laboratory diagnosis and treatment as it relates to those who make fish medicine their life’s work and career. As with any animal species, it behooves the veterinary practitioner and veterinary technician to be familiar with the health concerns that they themselves may encounter and this book does an excellent job of detailing these.
However, this book does not stop with the address of zoonotic concerns; it does a great job in reviewing the immune system and makeup of fish with specific sub-chapters dealing with the various innate defense mechanisms as well as studying the very mechanics of immune response and immunocompetency.
While there are some areas of this book that are not necessarily needed in daily veterinary aquaculture and may not be of interest to the average veterinarian or veterinary technician, the book is not without merit. While this is not a book that will be reached for when looking for reference values of fish health measures, it is a text that the researcher or career aquaculturist-technician will pore over when they need answers in the face of complex health problems affecting fish populations in their charge. Veterinary technicians and veterinary students who are performing literature searches or research on topics of fish health will continue to find this book extremely helpful.
As aquaculture becomes recognized more and more as a method of sustainable agriculture, it will become more important that there be a ready supply of veterinary professionals trained in this area. While I myself am not currently affiliated with fin fish or responsible for the care of these creatures, this book aroused my curiosity to the point that I have already began a subsequent examination of the second volume.
Publisher: CABI Publishing (2006).
ISBN 13: 9-780851-990156.
ISBN 10: 0-85-199015-0.