Denise Petty practiced ambulatory equine medicine after graduation from veterinary school. Ten years later, she became obsessed with ornamental fish, so she decided to pursue a career in fish health. She has worked in aquaculture medicine since 1990, first serving as a fish health consultant to an ornamental fish farm. From 1995-2002, she was the staff veterinarian for a large ornamental fish wholesale facility, where she worked with many fish and invertebrate species. She also worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture, providing aquaculture diagnostic services at the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Kissimmee.

Denise joined the University of Florida in 2004. As an aquaculture extension veterinarian, her responsibilities include research and extension on health related issues for the ornamental fish industry, the sport fish industry, and aquatic food animals including clams and shrimp.

In addition to being a fish geek, Denise is a long time horse lover. Here she is (photo above) with Lady Quad Windsor, a Thoroughbred mare (1975-2005).

Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program

PFAS Program: Aquatic Animal Health

Degrees:

A.S., Alexander City State Junior College , 1975
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1980

Publications:

Contact Information:

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653
352-273-3612
352-392-3672 (fax)

email:pettyd@ufl.edu