2025 Seminar Series

Thank you to our weekly sponsors! Their generous contributions will support student travel to future in-person AFS-FHS conferences. Sponsors were randomly assigned and do not indicate endorsement or financial support for the research.

* Indicates best presentation award winner.

may 8, 2025

Seminar Recording

KEYNOTE: Brittany Peachey, Hudson Valley Fisheries

Path to RAS and lessons learned along the way

Sponsor:

Riverence is a group of privately-owned aquaculture companies based in Washington and Idaho. Riverence is the largest producer of farmed Rainbow Trout and Steelhead in the United States, a provider of premium trout eggs to farmers around the world, and the only domestic commercial supplier of Atlantic Salmon and Coho Salmon eggs. As both breeders and farmers of trout and salmon, the Riverence group recognizes the critical importance of sound fish health practices and is proud to sponsor the Virtual Summer Seminar Series.

May 15, 2025

AFS-FHS Overview Recording

Seminar Recordings

AFS-FHS Highlight: Dr. Jesse Trushenski, Riverence

Overview of the Fish Health Section

Ethan Woodyard, Mississippi State University

Metagenomic Assessment Of Myxozoan Communities Under Different Rotation Strategies In Commercial Catfish Ponds In Mississippi, USA

Dr. Maural Sowlat, Mississippi State University

Trends In Antibiotic Use And Susceptibility Of Edwardsiella ictaluri: An 18-Year Retrospective From The Mississippi Delta

Sponsor:

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is dedicated to keeping animals and our global food supply healthy. With a diverse portfolio that includes natural and sustainable solutions, Phibro supports the well-being of livestock, aquaculture species, and companion animals through innovative, science-driven products. Built on a foundation of integrity, exceptional service, and a commitment to responsible animal care, Phibro has grown into a global leader trusted by farmers, veterinarians, and producers worldwide. Powered by more than 2,300 passionate team members, Phibro continues to invest in its people, partnerships, and planet.

Sponsor:

Established in 2019 within Vetal Animal Health A.S. (VETAL), PRIMEVAC is dedicated exclusively to the development, production, and distribution of high-quality fish vaccines. With a specialized focus on fish health, PRIMEVAC combines rigorous R&D with international expertise to create safe and effective vaccines targeting the primary diseases impacting aquaculture. Every vaccine batch is challenged according to European Pharmacopeia standards in Turkey’s first GMP-certified fish trial laboratory, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability. With successful products like the trivalent seabass vaccine and bivalent rainbow trout vaccine, PRIMEVAC continues to lead innovation in aquatic animal health with precision and purpose.

May 22, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Sascha Hallet, Oregon State University

Monitoring and mitigating diseases of PNW Salmonids

* Nilanjana Das, Oregon State University

The Salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss and Bryozoan Fredericella indica Serve as Active Hosts for the North American Strain of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, the Cause of Proliferative Kidney Disease

Dr. Ivana Giovanna Zupičić, Croatian Veterinary Institute

Whole genome sequencing and characterization of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in Vibrio harveyi from a marine environment

Dr. Cahya Fusianto, Michigan State University

Seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae in the Great Lakes basin

Sponsor:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession, representing more than 108,000 members across all areas of animal care. With a mission to protect, promote, and advance the needs of veterinarians and those they serve, the AVMA supports the profession through science-based advocacy, education, accreditation, and public outreach. Rooted in core values such as ethics, inclusivity, and innovation, the AVMA works to enhance the success of its members while improving the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.

May 29, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Haitham Mohammed, Texas A&M University

Fish Health & Disease in Texas Program Overview

Dr. Ozgur Erdogan, Texas A&M University

From a Catfish Pond to the Ocean: Adaptive Responses of Aeromonas hydrophila to High Salinity

Md Inja Mamun Haque, Texas A&M University

Silent Waters, Active Pathogens: Molecular Mapping of Columnaris Disease in Texas Fish

Dr. Noha ElBanna, Texas A&M University

Formalin-inactivated vaccine candidates against pathogenic vibrios in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus Aurata)

Sponsor:

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University is internationally recognized as a premier warm-water fisheries and aquaculture academic program. Through our research, teaching and extension programs we work to advance the boundaries of aquatic sciences, train the next generation of leaders in the field, and help address the needs of citizens of the state, nation and world.

June 5, 2025

AFS-FHS Overview Recording

Seminar Recordings

AFS-FHS Highlight: Dr. Linda Rhodes, Blue Book Revision Coordinator

Update on the Blue Book revision

Ximena Amortegui, University of New Mexico

Characterization of trout granulomatous virus (TGV) infection in rainbow trout gills reveals hallmarks of immune evasion and endothelial system dysfunction

Sujita Balami, Mississippi State University

Evaluating Oral And Immersion Delivery Of An Edwardsiella piscicida Vaccine In Hybrid Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus × Ictalurus furcatus)

Divya Rose, Mississippi State University

Pronounced Temporal Shifts Define Pond Microbiome Dynamics In Catfish Production Ponds

Sponsors:

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University is internationally recognized as a premier warm-water fisheries and aquaculture academic program. Through our research, teaching and extension programs we work to advance the boundaries of aquatic sciences, train the next generation of leaders in the field, and help address the needs of citizens of the state, nation and world.

Sponsor:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession, representing more than 108,000 members across all areas of animal care. With a mission to protect, promote, and advance the needs of veterinarians and those they serve, the AVMA supports the profession through science-based advocacy, education, accreditation, and public outreach. Rooted in core values such as ethics, inclusivity, and innovation, the AVMA works to enhance the success of its members while improving the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.

June 12, 2025

AFS-FHS Overview Recording

Seminar Recordings

AFS-FHS Highlight: Amber Johnston

Overview of the Nomination and Balloting Committee

Abdulmalik Oladipupo, Auburn University

Synergistic short-term effects of humic substances, butyric acid, and yeast cell walls as dietary additives on health, immunity, and susceptibility to Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium covae co-infection in juvenile channel catfish

James Tuttle, Auburn University

Evaluation of Peracetic Acid Applications in Low-Salinity Culture of Litopenaeus vannamei

Ali Abouismail, University of New Mexico

Determining Optimal Booster Interval Times for Intranasal Vaccines in Rainbow Trout

Sponsor:

The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security works to reduce world hunger and improve aquatic animal health. GCAHFS has locations in Starkville and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is affiliated with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

June 19, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Javier Santander, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Marine Microbial Pathogenesis and immunity of Marine Cold Water Fishes

Sathees Duglas, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Comparative Immune Response of Atlantic Salmon Primary Macrophages to Vibrio anguillarum Serovars O1 & O2

Ignacio Vasquez, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Dual-Seq Transcriptomics of Aeromonas salmonicida Infection in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) Primary Macrophages Reveals Lysosome and Apoptosis Impairments

Rebecca Kwabiah, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Spatial Regulation of CD14-like Epitope in Hematopoietic and Ocular Tissues of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) and Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor) During Bacterial Infection and Temperature Variations

Sponsor:

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University is internationally recognized as a premier warm-water fisheries and aquaculture academic program. Through our research, teaching and extension programs we work to advance the boundaries of aquatic sciences, train the next generation of leaders in the field, and help address the needs of citizens of the state, nation and world.

June 26, 2025

NO SEMINAR - ATTEND THE AFS-FHS ANNUAL MEETING 😀

More Information and Registration

The Fish Health Section (FHS) is one of the largest and most international sections of the American Fisheries Society. The FHS was formed in 1972 to give fish biologists, diagnosticians, researchers, aquaculturists, veterinarians, administrators, and others involved in fish health, an organization for communication and interaction.

July 3, 2025

NO SEMINAR - HAPPY 4th OF JULY 🎉

July 10, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Clay Raines, US Geological Survey

Hepatitis Virus Infection States Alter Gene Expression of Immune Factors in White Suckers (Catostomus commersonii)

Dr. Cheyenne Smith, US Geological Survey

Modeling Immune Responses to Understand Disease Susceptibility in Wild Smallmouth Bass

Adrian Deil Manliclic, Michigan State University

Influence of Perfluorooctane sulfonate on Host–Pathogen Interactions and Disease Outcomes in Juvenile Lake Trout

Sponsor:

The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in aquatic animal health, earning respect by exceeding expectations. World class faculty offer unparalleled opportunities for DVM, VMT, and graduate students, as well as interns, residents, faculty, and staff to immerse themselves in every facet of aquatic animal medicine, from catfish aquaculture in the Mississippi Delta to marine mammal and sea turtle research on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Check out their website to learn more about opportunities at Mississippi State. https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/

July 17, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Arun Venugopalan, Mississippi State University

Overview of the Mississippi State University Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Laboratory

Adithya Sreekumar, Mississippi State University

Rapid Identification of Juvenile Oyster Disease (JOD): Development of New qPCR Protocol

* Amber Johnston, University of Maine

Developing a Whole Genome Sequencing Method to Explore Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus in the North-Eastern Atlantic Seaboard

* Daniel DeLap, University of Maine

Testing The Efficacy Of A Novel Mucosal Vaccine Adjuvant Using Mannosylated Chitosan (MCA) Against Aeromonas salmonicida Subsp. salmonicida In Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Sponsor:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession, representing more than 108,000 members across all areas of animal care. With a mission to protect, promote, and advance the needs of veterinarians and those they serve, the AVMA supports the profession through science-based advocacy, education, accreditation, and public outreach. Rooted in core values such as ethics, inclusivity, and innovation, the AVMA works to enhance the success of its members while improving the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.

July 24, 2025

Seminar Recordings

* Dr. Kim Jacobson, University of California - Davis

Development of an Edwardsiella piscicida Immersion Challenge Model in Salmonids

Dr. Yoandy Coca Rives, University of California - Davis

Susceptibility Of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings To Different Lactococcus petauri Genotypes Isolated In The USA

Mia Read, University of California - Davis

Efficacy of Manuka Honey Against Aeromonas spp. Biofilms

Sponsor:

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University is internationally recognized as a premier warm-water fisheries and aquaculture academic program. Through our research, teaching and extension programs we work to advance the boundaries of aquatic sciences, train the next generation of leaders in the field, and help address the needs of citizens of the state, nation and world.

July 31, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Andrew Wargo, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Harnessing Evolutionary Ecology to Manage Aquatic Infectious Diseases

Malina Loeher, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

50 Years of Virulence and Shedding Evolution of an Emergent Virus in Salmonid Hosts

Hannah Brown, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Implementation of Digital PCR to Quantify a Novel Viral Shedding Dose Response (SD50)

* Isabelle Danforth, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The Impact of an IHNV DNA vaccine on Transmission and Virulence Evolution in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Sponsor:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession, representing more than 108,000 members across all areas of animal care. With a mission to protect, promote, and advance the needs of veterinarians and those they serve, the AVMA supports the profession through science-based advocacy, education, accreditation, and public outreach. Rooted in core values such as ethics, inclusivity, and innovation, the AVMA works to enhance the success of its members while improving the health and well-being of animals, humans, and the environment.

August 7, 2025

Seminar Recordings

Program overview: Dr. Abigail Armwood, North Carolina State University

Program overview

Samantha Oakey, North Carolina State University

Emerging Mesomycetozoa Sphaerothecum destruens in Striped Shiners (Luxilus chrysocephalus) in North America associated with Spinal Deformities

Program overview: Dr. Al Camus, University of Georgia

Program overview

Ashley Powell, University of Georgia

Molecular Characterization of Immune Responses in Channel (Ictalurus punctatus), Blue (Ictalurus furcatus), and Hybrid (Channel X Blue) to Edwardsiella ictaluri and Edwardsiella piscicida Infection

Sponsor:

Phibro Animal Health Corporation is dedicated to keeping animals and our global food supply healthy. With a diverse portfolio that includes natural and sustainable solutions, Phibro supports the well-being of livestock, aquaculture species, and companion animals through innovative, science-driven products. Built on a foundation of integrity, exceptional service, and a commitment to responsible animal care, Phibro has grown into a global leader trusted by farmers, veterinarians, and producers worldwide. Powered by more than 2,300 passionate team members, Phibro continues to invest in its people, partnerships, and planet.

Merck aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

August 14, 2025 - KEYNOTE

Seminar Recording

Dr. Bradley Richardson

Research Fish Biologist, USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Ecology & Aquaculture: Addressing the Problems and Avoiding the Pigeonhole

Sponsor:

Established in 2013, the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS) aims to reduce world hunger through research that supports sustainable aquaculture and ecological health of aquatic resources. The GCAHFS also works to protect and manage health of aquatic animals, including marine mammals and endangered species, such as dolphins and sea turtles. The center supports both domestic and international projects in a wide range of natural and social science areas.

Sponsor:

Fishhead Labs offer boutique-style, professional veterinary pathology consulting for a wide range of species. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Susan B. Fogelson, a board-certified veterinary anatomic pathologist with over 20 years of experience, Fishhead Labs specializes in precise disease diagnosis through tissue evaluation and personalized client service. With advanced expertise in aquatic, exotic, and domestic animal health, and a strong background in fisheries and aquatic pathology, Dr. Fogelson works closely with clinics, aquaria, zoos, researchers, and agencies across the country. In addition to diagnostics, Fishhead Labs supports research and graduate mentorship. Learn more at https://www.fishheadlabs.com/

August 21, 2024 - KEYNOTE

Seminar Details

Dr. Caitlin Older

Research Molecular Biologist, USDA-ARS Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Life as a cat[fish] researcher: how I got to catfish aquaculture from blood flukes and cats

Sponsors:

The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in aquatic animal health, earning respect by exceeding expectations. World class faculty offer unparalleled opportunities for DVM, VMT, and graduate students, as well as interns, residents, faculty, and staff to immerse themselves in every facet of aquatic animal medicine, from catfish aquaculture in the Mississippi Delta to marine mammal and sea turtle research on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Check out their website to learn more about opportunities at Mississippi State. https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/

Merck aspires to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.