Читать книгу Fundamentals of Aquatic Veterinary Medicine - Группа авторов - Страница 9

Preface

Of the various subspecialties of veterinary medicine, aquatic veterinary medicine is unique in that it encompasses the knowledge, skills and experience needed to care for multiple classes of organisms living in an aquatic environment very different from our own. Although many of the practice techniques and drugs are familiar to the clinician, the aquatic environment poses additional problems that are not encountered in a terrestrial setting. Despite these requirements for advanced knowledge, many veterinary school curricula have limited or no formal studies of aquatic veterinary medicine, even though this has been recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

This book is intended for veterinary students looking to acquire day‐one competency, as defined by the OIE, and are advised to use this book in the order of presentation, as each chapter builds on the previous one. It is also suitable for veterinary schools wishing to establish a course covering the nine core areas of aquatic veterinary medicine. For veterinarians interested in practicing aquatic veterinary medicine, and aquatic veterinarians looking to become certified through the CertAqV program of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, it provides a valuable resource to obtain necessary skills and technical understanding.

There is a significant amount of information contributed by dozens of authors from around the world on the nine core areas of the CertAqV certification program, so a companion website has been created with access to supplementary data. Each chapter in the book has links to the companion website, where additional text, figures, and further reading and resources can be found.

The diseases presented in this printed version of the text are those that are considered to have worldwide importance. Diseases found primarily in one locality or isolated to only one or a few species can be found in the online text. With respect to exploratory surgery in aquatic birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, it should be considered that the procedures and techniques are similar to their terrestrial counterparts except where noted throughout the book.