Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center Aquatic Medicine Lab Virginia Tech Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Stephen A. Smith, veterinarian and associate professor of biomedical sciences and pathobiology, draws blood from a talapia. The procedure, which does not harm the fish, is used to detect pathogens and to study properties of the blood, such as the white cell count. Smith and his graduate students are establishing normal blood values for different species of fish so that eventually fish can be routinely treated by local veterinarians. Mussels are important because they keep the aquatic chain of life in balance. They serve as natural biological filters, as well as being food for fish and wildlife.
Mussels are also raw material for the pearl industry.
And, they indicate water quality. Fisheries and wildlife science master's degree graduate Jon Burress and professer Dick Neves gather mussels. Over the past 10 years, Neves has devised a method for propagating endangered species. Neves' research team also collects host fish, such as darters, logperch, and smallmouth and rock bass, to which the larvae like to attach. The fish are put into the same tank as the larvae, so the larvae can attach to the gills.