Dr Chris Walster

After qualifying from Glasgow University in 1983, I started the Island Veterinary Associates in 1990. As well as running the practice, and many years experience in small animal veterinary medicine, I also had a long standing interest in aquatic veterinary medicine that led me to working in several areas of the world mainly with ornamental and coarse fish. In 2006 I undertook a Master of Veterinary Public Health, which developed an interest in aquatic zoonoses (infectious diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans) and epidemiology (the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases). I am a Fellow of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association and was the President in 2015. This has meant that much of my time over the past 11 years has been spent in the development of aquatic veterinary medical services to improve the welfare of aquatic animals - promoting the role of the veterinarian in ornamental fish, aquaculture production and the food chain. I am a regular contributor to veterinary education and training events as well as speaking at national and international conferences for student, veterinary and non-veterinary audiences.