A Cross-Cultural Collaboration Furthers Research on Catfish Disease Diagnostics for Nigeria

From left, Oluwasanmi Aina, Larry Hanson, Olanike Adeyemo, and Selim Alarape all went to Cypress Cove Boardwalk in Mississippi. (Photo by Mark Peterman)
From left, Oluwasanmi Aina, Larry Hanson, Olanike Adeyemo, and Selim Alarape all went to Cypress Cove Boardwalk in Mississippi. (Photo by Mark Peterman)

By Oluwasanmi O. Aina and Selim A. Alarape

From June 4-18, 2023, Oluwasanmi Aina and Selim Alarape, from the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish Aquaculture Biosecurity activity, embarked on a capacity development training visit within the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville, Mississippi. The purpose of this visit was to gain invaluable experience in performing fish cell culture and virology through hands-on training at the renowned institution's facilities, as well as study the catfish industry Mississippi is renowned for and the relationships between the industry and the surrounding research facilities.

During their visit, Aina and Alarape had the privilege of interacting with esteemed fish health researchers and diagnosticians, and these interactions paved the way for further collaborative efforts in the field of fish health. Through rigorous training and hands-on experience at the diagnostic laboratory, they became acquainted with the world of fish cell culture and virology. There were opportunities to practice the skills learned and familiarize themselves with cutting-edge techniques in the labs, especially in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Upon completion of the two-week training at MSU, Aina and Alarape returned to the University of Ibadan armed with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience and equipped with the tools necessary to establish fish virology capacity within their home country. They are prepared to make a significant contribution to the Nigerian aquaculture industry thanks to this cross-cultural and international collaboration. Through such endeavors, there will be further progress, innovation, and a brighter future for the realm of fish health research and the Nigerian aquaculture industry.

The Aquaculture Biosecurity team would like to give special thanks to Larry Hanson and Lorelei Ford for their facilitation during their visit as well as all the researchers they were able to collaborate with at MSU.

Larry Hanson, Selim Alarape, Jack Skip, and Oluwasanmi Aina stand outside the Fish Diagnostic Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. Photo by Lorelei Ford
From left, Larry Hanson, Selim Alarape, Jack Skip, and Oluwasanmi Aina stand outside the Fish Diagnostic Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. (Photo by Lorelei Ford)
From left, Selim Alarape, Oluwasanmi Aina, Olanike Adeyemo, and Seto Ogunleye are at the BOST Conference Centre at Mississippi State University. Photo by Larry Hanson
From left, Selim Alarape, Oluwasanmi Aina, Olanike Adeyemo, and Seto Ogunleye are at the Bost Extension Center at Mississippi State University. (Photo by Larry Hanson)
From left, Larry Hanson, a fish farmer, Selim Alarape, Olanike Adeyemo, and Oluwasanmi Aina toured a catfish farm in Mississippi. Photo by Mark Peterman
From left, Larry Hanson, a fish farmer, Selim Alarape, Olanike Adeyemo, and Oluwasanmi Aina toured a catfish farm in Mississippi. (Photo by Mark Peterman)
Selim Alarape, left, and Oluwasanmi Aina, right, meet Lorelei Ford, center, during their time at Mississippi State University. Photo taken by Selim Alarape
Selim Alarape, left, and Oluwasanmi Aina, right, meet Lorelei Ford, center, during their time at Mississippi State University. (Photo taken by Selim Alarape)

Published August 9, 2023