US Animal Aquitic Health Research

For many local residents in Alabama, the connection between robust agriculture and the economy is clear. The presence of **US Animal Aquatic Health Research** in Auburn, AL, underscores the state's role as a major hub for aquaculture, particularly for the domestic catfish industry. This facility, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), operates as a specialized **Government** research **Veterinarian** unit. Its mission is distinctly focused on the economic and health challenges facing warmwater aquaculture species, such as catfish and shrimp, which are highly important to Alabama's farming sector.

The Unit's primary goal is to conduct cutting-edge veterinary, bacteriological, and immunological research to solve complex problems that diminish the productivity, quality, and profit of the aquaculture industry. For local farmers and consumers across Alabama, this laboratory's work is crucial. By developing effective disease prevention strategies and improving fish health, the unit helps to ensure a stable supply of safe, affordable, and high-quality seafood products grown right here in the U.S.

It is important to clarify that this specific research unit's focus is on **aquatic animal health**. Public information confirms its mission is to address challenges like diseases and parasites in farmed fish and shellfish. The laboratory has been the subject of public inquiry due to its status as a federal research facility. While some federal labs have faced scrutiny regarding animal use in the past, including those involving cats (toxoplasmosis research, which the USDA officially ended in 2019 at other facilities), the mission statement and ongoing project descriptions for the **Aquatic Animal Health Research Laboratory** clearly indicate a focus on fish, shrimp, and related aquatic health concerns that are vital to the local farming economy of Alabama.

The research conducted here directly supports local businesses and contributes to food safety and sustainability that benefits every resident of Alabama.

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The **US Animal Aquatic Health Research** facility is located on the campus of Auburn University, often operating in collaboration with the university's School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences. Its location in Auburn makes it a central component of agricultural research in the state.

The physical address for the facility is:

**USDA Research Lab, 990 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832, USA**

As a modern, government-affiliated research facility, it is equipped with several features to ensure public accessibility and comfort for any visitors, collaborators, or staff members:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance:** The building is designed to accommodate individuals with mobility concerns.
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot:** Dedicated parking is available to ensure convenient access to the facility.
• **Wheelchair accessible restroom:** Available on-site for the convenience and comfort of all visitors.
• **Amenities:** Accessible **Restroom** facilities are provided.

As a research laboratory and not a primary care veterinary clinic, general public visits are typically by appointment or for pre-approved research collaboration. The accessibility features ensure that this valuable public resource remains available to all who need to conduct business with the unit.

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The research at the **Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit** is highly focused on biological control strategies to prevent large economic losses caused by diseases and parasites in the aquaculture industry. Their work is a form of specialized **Veterinarian** science dedicated entirely to aquatic life relevant to Alabama's economy.

The primary research and services offered by this government unit include:

• **Aquatic Animal Health Research:** Conducting in-depth veterinary bacteriological, parasitological, nutritional, and immunological studies on warmwater species like catfish, shrimp, and crawfish.
• **Disease Prevention Strategy Development:** Working on biological controls to prevent diseases and parasites, which are major threats to aquaculture profitability and sustainability.
• **Vaccine and Detection Test Development:** Specific research objectives include developing effective vaccines and rapid detection tests to combat infectious bacteria and parasites in fish.
• **Nutrition and Disease Resistance:** Formulating fish diets that are specifically designed to enhance disease resistance in aquaculture species, improving overall health and survival rates.
• **Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Research:** A key focus is on developing new detection, prevention, and control measures for harmful algae, which cause catastrophic fish and shellfish mortality and threaten the **Aquaculture** industry in Alabama.
• **Pollutant and Environmental Impact Studies:** Researching the toxicology of various pollutants and environmental stressors (like pesticides) on aquatic animals and their health.
• **Collaboration and Dissemination:** Coordinating research, demonstration, and dissemination efforts with Auburn University's School of Fisheries to transfer new technologies and findings directly to U.S. farmers.
• **Support for Catfish Industry:** A particular emphasis on solving health and production problems that are specific to the domestic catfish industry, a staple of Alabama's agricultural production.

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As a key component of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, the Auburn laboratory offers distinct benefits to the state and the national aquaculture industry.

The most notable features and highlights of this facility include:

• **Dedicated Aquaculture Focus:** It is one of only two ARS research units in Auburn and is exclusively dedicated to **Aquatic Animal Health Research**, providing a critical knowledge base for the water-based food industry.
• **Government Resource:** As a **Government** facility, its work is publicly funded and focused on solving large-scale industry problems, making the research outcomes available to support the entire U.S. aquaculture sector.
• **Collaboration with Auburn University:** The close, collaborative work with Auburn University scientists leverages the vast academic expertise of one of the region's top agricultural schools to solve real-world industry problems.
• **High Economic Impact:** The research directly aims to prevent large economic losses in major Alabama industries, particularly the domestic catfish and shrimp farming sectors, supporting local job stability and profitability.
• **Focus on Food Safety and Sustainability:** By improving disease resistance, nutrition, and environmental management in fish farming, the unit contributes directly to a more sustainable food supply for Alabama and the nation.
• **Commitment to Accessibility:** The physical facility is designed for public access, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom**, reflecting its commitment as a public resource.

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For inquiries regarding research, collaboration, or general public information about the **US Animal Aquatic Health Research** unit's activities, please use the contact details below. Please note that this is a research laboratory and not a clinic for companion pets.

• **Address:** USDA Research Lab, 990 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
• **Primary Phone:** (334) 887-3741
• **Mobile Phone:** +1 334-887-3741

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For those in Alabama interested in agricultural science, food sustainability, or the regional economy, the **US Animal Aquatic Health Research** lab is an invaluable resource. This is not a pet clinic, but a specialized **Government** research facility that acts as a vital veterinary science center for a crucial segment of the state's agriculture. Choosing to recognize and support the work done here means supporting the economic stability and sustainability of the U.S. aquaculture industry.

What is worth choosing here is the expertise and dedication to solving complex, large-scale problems like disease outbreaks and harmful algal blooms that directly impact Alabama’s food production. The commitment to developing new vaccines, rapid detection tests, and disease-resistant fish diets ensures that local farmers have the cutting-edge tools they need to succeed, securing a healthy and profitable future for one of Alabama’s most important agricultural products.

US Animal Aquitic Health Research

USDA Research Lab, 990 Wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832, USA