College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Mosul held a master’s thesis defense titled:

“Pathological and Molecular Diagnostic Study of Experimental Infection with Providencia Bacteria in Common Carp Fish”

on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

The study investigated the isolation of Providencia alcalifaciens from carp fish farms—marking the first time this bacterium has been identified both locally and globally in this context. P. alcalifaciens is a zoonotic bacterium known to cause hemorrhagic septicemia in fish. The strain has been officially registered in the global NCBI Gene Bank.

This research is considered highly significant for developing effective strategies to control the disease and promote sustainable aquaculture. It also provides a scientific foundation for assessing the health and environmental risks associated with this pathogen.

The thesis defense committee included the following members:

1. Prof. Dr. Alaa Hussein Ali – Chair (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul)
2. Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ghassan Saeed – Member (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul)
3. Assist. Prof. Dr. Saba Abdulrahim Hussein – Member (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul)
4. Assist. Prof. Dr. Shahbaa Khalil Ibrahim – Member and Supervisor (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul)
5. Prof. Dr. Balsam Yahya Rashid – Member and Supervisor (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul)

After the student confidently and scientifically defended the thesis, and following the committee’s discussion, the thesis was accepted.

Congratulations to the researcher, the supervisors, the college, and the Department of Pathology and Poultry Diseases on this scientific achievement. Wishing continued success to the defense committee.

This defense contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water).