Applications for the 2020 AAFV Student Scholarship Program
are now open!

The American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV) recognizes the burgeoning cost of veterinary education coupled with the fact that most veterinary schools do not provide training in aquatic veterinary medicine. Thus, the AAFV Student Scholarship Program has been established to assist veterinary students in their quest to increase their experience and training in aquatic veterinary medicine, specifically fish. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in aquatic programs, short courses, externships, conferences and presentations and research projects. The AAFV Executive Board and Student Scholarship Committee has set the amount for each scholarship at $500. The number of scholarships offered each year will be dependent on available funds. Scholarships will be presented once a calendar year and need to be used within one year of being awarded.

Please note for 2020
The scholarship committee recognizes that students may have issues in trying to meet the deadline for the AAFV scholarship program in light of COVID-19.  It also realizes that the aquatic experiences and training that the students might be seeking may have been cancelled or postponed.  As such, the scholarship committee has extended the deadline for applications this year’s scholarship program to July 31, 2020.  Also, for any applicant who is awarded a 2020 scholarship for aquatic programs, short courses, externships, conferences or research projects that are cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19, the awards can be utilized for other activities or those activities postponed to a later date, provided the awardee requests permission from the AAFV Scholarship Committee.  However, the awards should be used within a 12-month period that starts with application closing date.   Any awards that are not used for an approved activity will need to be returned to the AAFV. The Scholarship Committee will make an effort to evaluate all applications in four to six weeks after the closing date. 

This program is open to all AAFV Students members. If you are not a member - Join Now!

For more information, eligibility requirements and application click here

We welcome all and any contributions to this worthwhile program.  For more information on how you can contribute, see our Solicitation Letter

Thank you,
AAFV Student Scholarship Committee

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Come to San Diego for a fin-tastic day of fish! 
The American Association of Fish Veterinarians (AAFV)
is holding their annual conference and labs just before
the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention
 
Labs and sessions will cover a multitude of fish topics including:

Thursday SESSIONS
— Drug Use in Aquaculture
— Molecular Diagnostics
— Pet Fish Therapeutics
— Fish Welfare
— And more!

Friday LABS
— Sharks
— Imagery

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Upcoming VIN Rounds

We have 2 Rounds planned for 2020.  Instructors will be Dr Jessie Sanders on Water Quality (May 14) and Dr. Myron Kebus on Aquaculture Veterinary Medicine (Sept 10)

Please note:
This is open to VIN and AAFV members only

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 Fisheries of the U.S.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its annual report which found that "... fishing and seafood consumption in the United States increased in 2017, with landings and value of U.S. fisheries continuing a strong, positive trend. NOAA also released the "... 11th Fisheries Economics of the United States report which provides the most up-to-date economic statistics on commercial and recreational fisheries as well as seafood-related businesses for each coastal state and the nation ..."

Annual report posted at:
http://www.noaa.gov/media-release/american-seafood-industry-steadily-increases-its-footprint

"Fisheries of the United States, 2017" is posted at 
http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/fisheries-united-states-2017-report

A Fact Sheet is posted at 
http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/fisheries-united-states-2017-fact-sheet

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New Strategic Plan Released by the USDA
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

A new Strategic Plan has been released by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Plan includes "... tangible and specific goals that will guide APHIS through 2023.The Agency's three strategic goals include: 1) Deliver efficient, effective, and responsive programs; 2) Safeguard American agriculture; and 3) Facilitate safe U.S. agricultural exports. These goals include 14 objectives and many proven tactics to achieve them ..."

The November 27, 2018 USDA APHIS Stakeholder Registry Bulletin, entitled: "APHIS Administrator Shares New Strategic Plan", is posted at:
http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/bulletins/21e6a38

The November 2018 USDA APHIS Strategic Plan FY 2019-2023 is posted at:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/about_aphis/downloads/aphis-strategic-plan.pdf

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