ARS | Publication request: Biosecurity in aquatic animal facilities: concepts and examples

Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 13, 2010
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Citation: Karreman, G.A., Klotins, K., Osborn, A., Bebak, J.A., Gustafson, L., Tiwari, A., Kebus, M., Innes, P. 2011. Biosecurity in aquatic animal facilities: concepts and examples [abstract]. World Aquaculture Society. p. 237.

Technical Abstract: Biosecurity includes measures to minimize the risk of introduction and spread of infectious organisms within or between aquatic animal populations. Biosecurity measures at the site level include bioexclusion, within-site infectious disease control and biocontainment. This talk will focus on bioexclusion and the factors that must be considered when looking at the risk of introducing pathogens onto a site. When designing a biosecurity plan, an on-site analysis establishes the context for evaluating the risk of pathogen introduction into the site. The analysis requires a working understanding of the production biology of the species, the physical layout of the facility and the process flow for operations. It also requires a working knowledge of the epidemiology of the pathogen(s) to be excluded. With this knowledge it is possible to construct a site-specific biosecurity plan using a systematic, qualitative approach. Done properly, this approach should be consistent with an introduction risk assessment. Implementation of the plan must take into account economics and logistics.