THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S AQUACULTURE PATHOLOGY LABORATORY WEST CAMPUS RESEARCH FACILITY: AN ICONIC SHRIMP RESEARCH FACILITY IN NORTH AMERICA – HISTORY, ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE FUTURE.

Since the inception of the University of Arizona's Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory and West Campus Agricultural Center in 1989, the APL-WCAC research facility has been an integral part of the history of this iconic laboratory.  The APL-WCAC research facility is conveniently located over 200 miles from the nearest ocean which has proven to be the ideal place to study penaeid shrimp and other crustacean pathogens without the risk of introduction into their natural habitat.  Over the course of the past 28 years, the APL-WCAC lab has helped to develop pathogen resistant stocks, developed challenge methods for multiple pathogens which aid in the selection of superior stocks, tested numerous products against viral and bacterial pathogens, run primary quarantine to aid in the diversity of the gene pool and studied new and emerging pathogens in live animals.  The APL-WCAC lab has also been responsible for helping to train graduate students, supplied shrimp for the annual short course, participated in the research that resulted in numerous publications and patent disclosures and helped to train visiting professionals.  In the coming years, the APL-WCAC lab will continue to support the new director and clients in the every changing detection methods and emerging pathogens.