PANDA assessment of needs and training opportunities in aquatic animal health

A survey on training needs and opportunities among aquatic animal health professionals was carried out as part of the EU funded PANDA project. A preliminary analysis of the data revealed that in terms of training participation, over 65% of responders had participated in training within the previous six months and that this training consisted predominantly of short courses or conferences. However, 20% of responders had not participated in training in the previous three or more years, with time and money being the major reasons cited for nonparticipation. Occupation and location in Europe would also appear to have an impact on frequency of training and on the type of training undertaken. Responders' own organisations played a key role in training provision, while international training bodies constituted an important source of applied training. Universities did not play an important role in training. In terms of training needs, newer diagnostic methods for bacterial and viral diseases were the principle training needs identified. Epidemiology and risk analysis were also identified as training needs that are not currently fulfilled. The majority of responders felt that the EU should have more involvement in training provision and formulation of policy around training.