Laboratory zebra fish have moved from a niche experimental model into the mainstream of scientific research, second only to laboratory rodents.  However, the pervasiveness of the zebra fish as a scientific animal model is not always supported by appropriate knowledge and performance based standards of animal management.  Lack of awareness of the issues in developing and operating zebra fish facilities, and establishing standardized animal care practices, can negatively impact on animal welfare, facility management and scientific outcomes.  Accessing the experience of international zebrafish experts this seminar will update delegates on current issues and solutions for the housing and management of this species.

Mark A. Rath - Charles River/National Institute of Health Contractor

Presentation Title: Zebrafish In Research and a Call For Standardization of the Model
This presentation provides a brief history of the use of zebrafish as a laboratory research model and lays out an argument for developing performance based standards across all aspects of the model (genetics, husbandry, nutrition, and facility design).  The focus is on how the development of the model caused a lcak of standardization, how this lack of standards is inhibiting research, and identifies areas the community should prioritize, in terms of standardization.

Mark A. Rath, M.S., RLATG - Bio
Mark has worked in the aquaculture field for the past 12 years, with experience in several sectors of the industry and completed his M.S. in Aquaculture from the University of Maryland MEES program in 2004.  During his time at UMD, he worked with several species including yellow perch, striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, menhaden, blue crabs and oysters.  Since 2004 Mark has worked for Charles River on the aquatics contract at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.  For the past 3 years Mark has served as the Shared Zebrafish Facility Manager and has been instrumental in the development, construction, testing and startup of the largest zebrafish laboratory in the world.  Nearing completion, the S.Z.F. serves both the National Institutes of Child Health & Human Development and the National Human Genome Research Institute.  Mark is currently serving as President of the Zebrafish Husbandry Association's Executive Board.

Ms. Nikol Tschaepe, BS, RLTAG, CMAR - Champalimaud Foundation - Portugal
Presentation Title:  Aquatic Units Out of the Isolation and Into Mainstream Vivarium Operations
Breaking away from old school decentralized facilities, aquatics are increasingly merging with centralized vivaria.  Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is a multidisciplinary centre headquartered in Lisbon Portugal.  The Champalimaud Centre focuses on neuroscience and oncology research with complementary facilities supporting these areas of investigation.  The vivarium is a 3,500 square meter facility with specialized units serving researchers.  A portion of the facility is dedicated for a state of the art aquatic construction and infrastructure, the unit has forged a path in establishing a core with boutique services where we hope to begin setting practical standards for facility development and aquatic management.

Dr. Nikol Tschaepe - Champalimaud Foundation - Bio
Ms. Tschaepe has over 10 years experience in laboratory animal and veterinary care which began with benchtop research and has included several large international construction projects.  Currently she is the Director of Vivarium at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon Portugal.