What We Do
The Bozeman Fish Health Center is part of the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program and the National Fish Hatchery System - a network of fish hatcheries, fish health centers, fish technology centers, and the Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership program. Together they provide services that help us manage aquatic resources, protect the health of our wild and hatchery-raised fish, and recover threatened and endangered species. The unparalleled conservation efforts of this system not only enhance aquatic species and their habitats, but also improve fishing opportunities for our Nation’s 58 million recreational anglers.
Our Services
- The Bacteriology Laboratory uses traditional technology to grow and identify bacteria that are present in the organism.
- The Histology Laboratory uses extensive training and high-tech equipment to process histology blocks and slides for research partners investigating topics related to cultured and free-ranging populations of fish.
- The Molecular Laboratory uses testing like PCR to amplify and detect sequences of DNA or RNA to identify and confirm aquatic animal species and pathogens.
- The Parasitology Laboratory assesses the type and numbers of parasites present in a sample, including the spores found in the cartilage of young salmonids that result in “whirling disease.”
- The Virology Laboratory uses cell lines derived from several species of fish to screen for and culture viruses.
- Provide Veterinary Services to captive-reared aquatic animals at National Fish Hatcheries and other governmental and tribal partner facilities.