Fish Pathology Laboratory
Mission Statement

Our Mission

The Fish Pathology Section monitors and controls finfish and shellfish diseases statewide (according to Title 16 of the Alaska Statutes) by conducting diagnostic surveys, developing finfish and shellfish disease policies and by advising the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal authorities on fish disease issues.

For diagnostic services, contact us for initial consultation and to assess the need for sample submission.

Sample Collection Procedures/Instructions (PDF 89 kB) | Sample Submission Form (PDF 72 kB)

Diagnostic Testing

The Fish Pathology Laboratories (FPL) provides free statewide diagnostic services to all user groups. These services include the examination of wild and hatchery finfish and shellfish for bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, other parasites, and non-infectious diseases. A variety of laboratory techniques are used including ELISA, PCR, and DNA sequencing for diagnostic cases. Annually, over 16,000 aquatic animals are examined and over 23,000 diagnostic tests are conducted.

Our lab also has affiliations with several fish health laboratories nationwide for additional specialized testing when required. These include various state and federal laboratories (USGS Seattle; USDA/APHIS) many of which are associated with the Pacific Northwest Fish Health Protection Committee.

Disease Management

The FPL provides disease management in Alaska through both diagnostic and consultation services. We have also developed and maintained a statewide finfish and shellfish disease history database for use in disease policy decisions. Fish health is critically important, and the FPL is tasked with the development of finfish and shellfish disease policies for advising state, federal, and private user groups. FPL conducts an annual review of over 300 finfish and shellfish transport permits to protect wild and hatchery stocks from disease concerns and certifies Pacific oysters stocks for importation into Alaska. As some diseases are transmitted from parent to offspring, the FPL conducts disease screening of parent fish providing e fertilized eggs for enhancement programs. Read more about our disease policies (PDF 2,536 kB) and guidelines (PDF 640 kB) here.

Research

The FPL conducts applied research by examining disease transmission using on-site wet lab facilities, evaluates new techniques for detection of finfish and shellfish diseases, describes and characterizes new disease agents, and distributes statewide information regarding disease agents in finfish and shellfish stocks.

Education

The FPL provides education and outreach services to the public and future generations of stakeholders by informing user groups on fish/shellfish diseases and tissue abnormalities in Alaska. The FPL conducts informational laboratory tours for elementary through college-level students, training for veterinarians, and supports local schools with science fair activities. The FPL also publishes research results in peer review journals to disseminate new information on finfish and shellfish diseases.