Registry of Aquatic Pathology

The ability to accurately diagnose previously unrecognised disease conditions is dependent on familiarity with a wide range of pathogens, or potential pathogens, infecting hosts from a variety of sources.

Referring to archive material, including histological slides and images, as well as complete specimens of affected tissues and parasites can facilitate this.

Scientists within our Pathology and Parasitology team have developed an exclusive database and specimen archive system - the Registry of Aquatic Pathology. This provides access to a large number of pathological specimens from a variety of worldwide sources. It is a unique reference collection of pathological conditions caused by a variety of agents including viruses, bacteria and parasites as well as those induced environmentally.

Begun in 1977, the Registry of Aquatic Pathology includes hundreds of examples of disease conditions and parasites from aquarium, cultured and wild fish, and bivalve molluscs and crustacea from freshwater and marine environments around the world. New examples are continually being added, and records are updated when images are available or to ensure the information provided is still accurate.

The Registry is arranged into seven sections:

  1. Salmonids
  2. Cyprinids
  3. Other freshwater species
  4. Flatfish
  5. Other marine species
  6. Shellfish
  7. Parasites.

Each database record contains the accession number, common and Latin species names, the disease/condition, aetiology, geographical origin, diagnostic techniques applied, and a detailed description of the pathological features present. In addition, many records contain images of gross pathological lesions as well as those taken at the microscopic level.

Scientists who wish to visit the laboratory to utilise the Registry  collection may do so by prior arrangement with the Administrator.

If you have any questions or comments about the Registry, or would like further information, contact us.