BMC Veterinary Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Emerging challenges in aquatic ecosystem health and disease management.
Aquatic environments, including marine, coastal, and freshwater systems, are increasingly subjected to a range of biological, chemical, and physical stressors that significantly impact both the health of these ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. These stressors range from parasitic organisms to pollutants and climate change effects that threaten biodiversity while also posing significant challenges to veterinarians and researchers involved in maintaining the health of aquatic species and preventing zoonotic disease transmission.
Veterinary professionals and animal scientists are increasingly called upon to manage the impacts of infectious diseases in aquatic species, particularly as global trade and climate change contribute to the spread of diseases with far-reaching ecological and economic consequences. Environmental changes, such as ocean acidification, have been shown to increase disease susceptibility in marine organisms, raising concerns for commercially important species like fish, shellfish, and coral reefs.
The rise of antimicrobial resistance in aquatic environments, driven by pollution, presents an additional challenge for animal scientists, as these systems can serve as reservoirs for resistant pathogens. Zoonotic pathogens originating from aquatic environments are increasingly linked to both human and animal health concerns, including waterborne diseases. This underscores the critical role of monitoring and controlling diseases at the animal-human-environment interface.
We invite submissions of original research articles, that explores topics including, but not limited to the evolving landscape of aquatic ecosystem health with a particular focus on veterinary implications, encompassing topics such as:
- Emerging and re-emerging diseases in aquatic systems, including parasitic, bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, and their impacts on biodiversity, animal health, and ecosystem function
- The role of environmental factors, such as climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution, in the spread, prevalence, and severity of aquatic diseases, with a focus on veterinary management and biosecurity in aquaculture and wildlife health
- Innovative approaches to the detection, monitoring, and management of pathogens and environmental threats in aquatic environments, including advanced technologies that support veterinary diagnostics, early disease detection, and surveillance
- Linkages between aquatic ecosystem health and human health, with a focus on zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the veterinary role in safeguarding the food chain and public health
- Strategies for mitigating risks to aquatic ecosystems, animal populations, and human health, emphasizing comprehensive management approaches that integrate veterinary care, ecosystem health, and sustainable practices in aquaculture and wildlife conservation
This call for papers aims to bring together interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of these critical issues while supporting the development of sustainable management strategies for preserving aquatic ecosystem health, protecting animal populations, and ensuring public and animal health safety.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
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