Mission Statement: To protect, monitor, and enhance the health of aquatic wildlife and aquatic systems in the State of Colorado in accordance with Colorado state statutes.
Located in Brush, Colorado, the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) provides in-house support and diagnostic services, including bacteriology, DNA testing (PCR), whirling disease testing, virology, parasitology, histopathology, invasive species screening and identification, and water quality testing.
The AAHL assists Colorado fish culture, fishery management, species preservation, and aquatic research in an effort to advise the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and Fish Health Board by providing guidelines for agency policies. One of the many purposes of this facility and program is to prevent introduction of aquatic diseases and invasive species through monitoring and by educating the public about their role in aquatic health. The AAHL also manages intra- and interstate movement of fish. The lab also cooperates and collaborates with other national and international fish health laboratories, scientists, universities, and government agencies.