The scientific community is rapidly realizing the benefits of using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model in research related to human health. The field was initially led by investigations in developmental genetics, but now adult zebrafish are also extensively used as model organisms in infectious disease and immune system function work and in the study of aging, toxicology, oncology, and behavior.
Given the increasing importance of these animals in biomedical research, it is essential to produce and maintain healthy and pathogen-free adults. Both husbandry and underlying health status can significantly affect research outcomes. Improper water quality, nutrition, and pathogen infections can profoundly affect fecundity, growth, immunity, neoplasia, and other responses. These in turn can distort experimental results, an important concern with any animal model. This issue features reviews of the major husbandry issues and diseases of importance to zebrafish in the research setting.
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| Introduction: Use of Zebrafish in Research and Importance of Health and Husbandry Michael Kent and Zoltán Varga Abstract |
| Mycobacteriosis in Zebrafish Colonies Christopher M. Whipps, Christine Lieggi, Robert Wagner Abstract |
| Microsporidiosis in Zebrafish Research Facilities Justin Sanders, Virginia Watral, and Michael Kent Abstract |
| Neoplasia and Neoplasm-Associated Lesions in Laboratory Colonies of Zebrafish Emphasizing Key Influences of Diet and Aquaculture System Design Jan Spitsbergen, Donald R. Buhler, and Tracy L. Peterson Abstract |
| Documented and Potential Research Impacts of Subclinical Diseases in Zebrafish Michael Kent, Claudia Harper, and Jeffrey C. Wolf Abstract |
| Viral Diseases in Zebrafish: What is Known and Unknown Marcus Crim and Lela K. Riley Abstract |
| Fundamental Approaches to the Study of Zebrafish Nutrition Stephen A. Watts, Louis D’Abramo, and Mickie Powell Abstract |
| Zebrafish Breeding in the Laboratory Environment Andrzej Nasiadka and Matthew D. Clark Abstract |
| Aspects of Larval Rearing Carole Wilson Abstract |
| Zebrafish Housing Systems: A Review of Basic Operating Principles and Considerations for Design and Functionality Christian Lawrence and Timothy Mason Abstract |
| Anesthesia and Euthanasia in Zebrafish Monte Matthews and Zoltán Varga Abstract |
| IACUC Issues Associated with Zebrafish George E. Sanders Abstract |
| Zebrafish Resources on the Internet Stephen A. Smith Abstract |
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