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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

DNA-based Fish Species Identification Protocol
Published on: April 28, 2010
Nontraditional Laboratory Animal Species (Cephalopods, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Birds)
Dorcas P O'Rourke1, Cecile L Baccanale1, Michael K Stoskopf1
1Dorcas P. O'Rourke, DVM, MS, DACLAM, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Cecile L. Baccanale, DVM, is Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Michael K. Stoskopf, DVM, PhD, DACZM, is Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, at the College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the Colleges of Natural Resources, Science, and Engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Abstract:
Aquatic vertebrates and cephalopods, amphibians, reptiles, and birds offer unique safety and occupational health challenges for laboratory animal personnel. This paper discusses environmental, handling, and zoonotic concerns associated with these species.
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