BIOSECURITY IN AN AQUACULTURE FACILITY Written by: Fazeel Mohammed
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iosecurity refers to the concept of protecting culture animals from contamination of disease causing organisms and preventing the spread of diseases both within a facility and infectious agents leaving a facility. Examining specific points in production where pathogens (disease-causing parasites, bacteria, viruses and fungi) may be introduced or diseases may develop. This will assist pro¬ducers with establishing precautionary measures. The ease in which a pathogen can enter a facility, spread from one system to the next, and cause disease is determined by the following factors: 1. The cultured fish's species, immune status, condition, life stage, and strain susceptibility; 2. Major environmental factors such as water quality, water chemistry, and husbandry practices; 3. Pathogen characteristics such as biology and life cycle, potential reservoirs (carriers, other animals) and survival on inanimate objects (equipment). 4. Employee’s knowledge of biosecurity principles and adherence to biosecurity Goals of biosecurity There are three main goals to achieve effective biosecurity: 1. Animal management—obtaining healthy stocks and optimizing their health and immunity through good husbandry 2. Pathogen management—preventing, reducing or eliminating pathogens 3. People management—educating and managing staff and visitors
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1. Animal management • Get healthy animals (eggs, fry, fingerlings and broodstocks) from a reputable supplier. • Obtain as much information on the health of the animal before purchase. • Avoid stressing animals i.e. unnecessary and inappropriate handling. • Maintaining good water quality and nutrition is critical to fish health and the control of pathogens. • Observe for abnormal appearance (e.g. colour change) and behaviour (e.g. poor feeding response). • Quarantine all new animals coming into a facility, animals moving from one area or system to another within the facility and resident fish that becomes diseased. • All quarantine items, equipment and water should be separated from that of the main farm. • Know the common and important infectious and non-infectious diseases of the animal you cultivate and which life stages may be affected. • Treat fish with appropriate medication. Consult with a fish health professional. 2. Pathogen management It's crucial to understand pathogen biology in order to control its survival and spread. Pathogens can live and grow in a variety of environments, including water, system components, equipment, floors, walls, feed, the cultured animal itself, other animals (such as frogs and rodents), and plants. They can enter a facility through aerosol (e.g. small water droplets), equipment, cars, and people, and they can be disseminated by other animals living in or
CARIBBEAN FISHERIES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
