Center for Fish Disease Research

Michael L. Kent, Director
(541) 737-8652
http://osu.orst.edu/dept/salmon/

 

The faculty of Oregon State University have been in the forefront of fish disease research for over 30 years, beginning with the pioneering efforts of the late Dr. John L. Fryer, OSU Distinguished Professor of Microbiology and first Director of the Center, which was established in 1994. In 1999 Dr. Kent, Professor in Department of Microbiology, became the Director. Investigators have trained many of the nation’s professional fish pathologists and fish health researchers, have identified the causes of several important diseases afflicting fishes in the Pacific Northwest, and developed vaccines and diagnostic tests that are routinely used for cultured and wild stocks of fish. In additon, they have provided a wealth of knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms and epidemiology of most of the serious salmonid and other fish diseases of the U.S.A. and world.

In 2001 the name was changed from the Center for Salmon Disease Research to reflect the breadth of the fish species under investigation, which include wild marine fishes, ornamental species, and fish used as research models. Nevertheless, diseases of salmonid fishes remain a primary focus of the Center, reflected in the name of our main facility, the John L. Fryer Salmon Disease Laboratory.

The CFDR seeks to resolve disease problems which present a threat to all species of fin fish and shellfish of the Pacific Northwest, the nation, and the world. The primary function is to promote and assist the fish disease research of the investigators and those who desire collaborative ties.

Center investigators consist of faculty primarily from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Science, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife pathology section. Several scientists from other institutions with an interest in fish disease are affiliate members.