VN June 2020

Vetnuus | Junie 2020 10 As the world faces an international public health crisis, the crippling impact of a viral threat is top of everyone’s minds. Nearly half the countries across the globe are implementing travel restrictions in some form, but thechallenges areperhapsmoreacute indeveloping nations, which may not have the financial or institutional resources to cope with a pandemic. On a much smaller scale, disease outbreaks in aquaculture systems can be similarly devastating, especially for those who are not equipped to deal with them. A South African veterinarian has, however, developed an innovative and cost-effective flagging system to improve health management and biosecurity on fish farms. “It’s a big challenge for small farmers,” said Dr. Gillian Taylor, speaking to The Advocate. “They just don’t have the funds behind them to manage things in a high-tech way.” Taylor’s system not only minimises disease introduction and outbreaks, but also helps farmers increase their profit margins and the marketability of their products. Taylor spent nearly two decades working in small animal practice in Johannesburg, before deciding to specialise in aquatic veterinary science. In 2015, she was accepted into Cornell University’s aquatic veterinary program, and today she runs African Aquatic Veterinary Services. Raise the flag: South African veterinarian develops three-tiered tilapia-health system Marie-Louise Antoni (First published by Global Aquaculture Advocate and reprinted here with permission) Dr. Gillian Taylor’s work with Tilapia Farmers Association of South Africa results in a simple grading system tomanage fish health, biosecurity Dr. Gillian Taylor (fourth from left) watches tilapia fingerlings with Tilapia Farmers Association of South Africa members, farmers and students (Courtesy photos) >>> 11