We provide information, technical assistance, and resources to fish farmers. Contact Dr. Myron Kebus at kebusmyr@msu.edu.
Further Reading
Published in JAVMA's August 2025 issue, the team shares their findings about interviewed fish farmer perspectives on the use of veterinary services and preventative fish health measures. Read more here.
Drs. Kebus and Loch speak with Fish Farming News, beginning on Page 4.
Plan Your Aquaculture Biosecurity: The Center for Food Security & Public Health
Infectious diseases are a constant management challenge and economic threat for land-based aquaculture farms. Biosecurity is a crucial part of any aquatic animal health management plan and the daily operation of every farm. Biosecurity efforts help protect the health of aquatic livestock and minimize the economic impact of infectious disease.
The aquaculture biosecurity website was designed for aquaculture producers and aquatic animal health professionals. It provides a 3-step approach to biosecurity planning for land-based farms and hatcheries (ponds, raceways, or recirculating systems) raising fish, crustaceans, or mollusks.
• Step 1: Identify pathogen transmission pathways
• Step 2: Assess risk areas of concern and biosecurity actions
• Step 3: Write a biosecurity plan for the farm or hatchery
Online Course: Fish Health Certificate Program for Producers
This online training provides producers with relevant risk assessment and management principles and practices to reduce losses due to fish diseases. The certificate includes a six module web-based learning program, listed at the program's webpage here.
Further Resources from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Our partners at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point have compile further resources for producers. Find them at this link.
Regulatory and umbrella support
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
MDARD works to assure food safety, protect animal and plant health, sustain environmental stewardship, provide consumer protection, enable rural development and foster efficient administration operations through service, partnership and collaboration.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Constitution Hall, 6th Floor
525 W. Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
800-292-3939
North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC)
The North Central Regional Aquaculture Center (NCRAC) supports aquaculture research, development, demonstration, and extension education to develop and improve profitable and sustainable aquaculture. It is one of five regional aquaculture centers administered by the USDA Extension Service.
NCRAC relies on an Industry Advisory Council for direction in its programs. Teams of aquaculture specialists from Midwest universities, public agencies, and the private sector develop and implement projects to solve priority problems. See NCRAC’s Mission. Find State Import Regulations, Publications, Funded Projects, News, and a list of North Central Region Aquaculture Veterinarians.
MICHIGAN STATE AQUACULTURE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Michael Thome, DVM
Aquaculture, Emerging Contaminants, and Invasive Species Program Manager
Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health
(517) 614-0622 | ThomeM1@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division
- Ed Eisch, Assistant Chief
(231) 922-6055 (office) | eische@michigan.gov
STATE FISH HEALTH AUTHORITIES / LABORATORIES
Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, MSU
- Dr. Thomas Loch, Director, Aquatic Animal Disease Ecology Program
(517) 884-2019 (office) | healthyfish@cvm.msu.edu
AQUACULTURE / BAITFISH INDUSTRY CONTACTS
Michigan Aquaculture Association