This site is dedicated to providing information about the various laboratory resources for aquatic animal health specialists, resource agencies, and private aquaculture facilities. The Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Animal Health Program (FWS-AAHP) is committed to providing state-of-the-art information, laboratory services and referrals, and current information on training and continued education opportunities in aquatic animal health.

Inspection Laboratories and Services
Diagnostic and health inspection laboratory services are extremely important to preventing the spread of diseases and promoting healthy aquatic animals and ecosystems. The FWS-AAHP coordinates with state, tribal, and regional aquatic animal specialist and resource managers to facilitate the goals of resource managers and aquaculture commerce, while protecting natural resources on state and federal lands. The FWS Fish Health Centers provide diagnostic services and inspections to our partners, on an as-available basis. Our primary obligation is to natural resource management, and if we are not able to provide inspection services directly, we will assist you in finding the appropriate laboratory for your resource management needs. To meet the needs of our partners, we have tried to provide a comprehensive list of state, regional, and accredited laboratories who specialize in aquatic animal health laboratory services. You are always welcome and encouraged to contact your regional Fish Health Center.

Reagent Resources
The FWS-AAHP also believes excellence in laboratory services, which includes standardization of testing methods and utilization of high quality reagents and reference materials, is an essential aspect of preventing disease and promoting health aquatic species. The FWS-AAHP often partners with states, research agencies, and academia to develop and test new diagnostic methods and screening techniques to advance the understanding of the complex and inter-related fields involved in aquatic animal health.

Quality Improvement in the laboratory relies on standardized procedures and optimum equipment, consumables, and often most importantly, on premium reagents. The FWS-AAH program only uses high quality reagents from reputable sources that demonstrate quality and consistency in the biologics they provide. When reagents are not available, we often produce or contract the production of reagents to ensure we are always able to continue the high standards of our Quality Improvement program.

Education and Training
Specialized training and continued education is cornerstone to the excellence in science that the FWS-AAH program promotes. Our biologists will continue to expand their knowledge in the diverse number of sciences linked with aquatic animal health.

Troubleshooting Guides
To promote the continuous improvements in QA/QC in the laboratory, and assist laboratory clinicians with additional information, we have included several related links and Troubleshooting Guides for both general and highly specific laboratory applications.