John is a recognised authority on disease in aquatic animals. He is the author or co-author of over 50 publications encompassing health and disease issues in terrestrial, avian and aquatic animal species. In addition, he has a wealth of hands-on experience in aquatic animal disease diagnosis and research, health certification and the development and implementation of biosecurity strategies.

Veterinary Pathologist – Panaquatic® Health Solutions Pty Ltd (“Panaquatic”)

Manager, Aquatic Animal Health – Northern Territory Government

John was responsible for the implementation of disease diagnostic services, quarantine and health certification programs for aquatic animals in the Northern Territory.

John provided advice to government and industry on policy issues relating to aquatic animal health and coordinated research into disease impacting on aquaculture and fisheries.

Head of Veterinary Investigations – Agriculture Victoria

As Head of Veterinary Investigations, John held overall responsibility for the management and implementation of a wide range of laboratory based disease, diagnostic and health certification services for animals, birds and fish for the State of Victoria.

He collaborated with AQIS on export testing requirements, supervision of the pathology, diagnostic accessions, histology, electron microscopy, serology, virology, cell culture and bacteriology laboratories of the Institute.

He also worked with the Victorian Division of Fisheries in the provision of aquatic animal disease diagnostic and health certification services and provision of policy advice.

Private Consulting

John was commissioned to undertake a number of aquatic animal health projects including a review of Australian quarantine policies and practices for aquatic animals.

Head of the Australian Fish Health Reference Laboratory – Victoria

The Australian Fish Health Reference Laboratory was the first laboratory in Australia committed to the diagnosis of the full spectrum of fish diseases.

As head of this laboratory, John was responsible for coordination of its diagnostic, research and administrative functions.

John was a principal organiser of the first Australian Workshop on Fish Diseases in 1984 which influenced the subsequent career of a number of Australia’s pre-eminent fish pathologists and diagnosticians.

The laboratory subsequently played a pivotal role in the establishment of aquatic animal disease diagnostic capabilities in other States and Territories.

Qualifications

• 1969: Bachelor of Veterinary Science – University of Melbourne
• 1974: Master of Science – Department of Tropical Veterinary Science,
• James Cook University of North Queensland
• 1982: Doctor of Philosophy – Department of Pathology, University of Guelph, Canada

Associations

• John is a Member of the Aquatic Animal Health chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.