Aquatic Animal Health
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It is with sadness that we report the passing of our first Aquatic Animal Health Director, Dr. Diedrich O. Beusse, on September 20, 2008.
Deke was a pioneer in the field of marine mammal medicine. He was an honorary life member of IAAAM, recipient of the Excellence in Aquatic 
Animal Medicine Award in 2000, contract veterinarian for SeaWorld of Florida for 30 years, Professor and first Director of the Marine Mammal Medicine Program at the University of Florida from 2001 - 2004, and contract veterinarian for the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program until early this year.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Pine Castle, Orlando, Florida at 11:00 am Saturday October 18, 2008.
Family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials in Deke's honor be made to the Ministry Activities Center (MAC), 87 South Church Street, Clayton, Georgia 30525. More information can be found at
http://hunterfuneralhomega.com/obituaries/show_obit.php?obit_id=93
Our thoughts are with his wife Carole, family and friends.
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Mission Statement
To provide sustainable state of the art training, education, clinical, diagnostic and research support for aquatic animals, both wild and under the care of man. We work in partnership with other University of Florida programs, private groups, oceanaria, industry, researchers, local, state and federal stakeholders as well as other educational institutions.
In support of its mission, the Aquatic Animal Health Program includes the following goals:
- To educate veterinarians, veterinary medical students, graduate students, and related professionals in the science, care and medicine of aquatic animals in concert with other College of Veterinary Medicine departments, University of Florida programs, and other educational institutions.
- To provide diagnostic services and to develop new technology and methodology to evaluate aquatic animal health and disease for Florida Aquaculture industry.
- To provide diagnostic, research and clinical support for aquatic animal issues including ill and stranded animals such as cetaceans, sea turtles, manatees, pinnipeds, fish, invertebrates and other marine species
- To partner in the coordination efforts in developing regional and national programs of cooperation regarding investigations and health care of aquatic species and their environment
- To provide outreach to the general public on topics of health and well-being of aquatic animals and related environmental issues.
- To generate science-based information for use in the management and protection of aquatic animals.
Our partners:
For a complete list of our partners please visit Related Information