Projects Update April 2009 Progress and Priorities

Strategy 1 - Objective 1. To identify needs and gaps with respect to surveillance requirements for specific industry sectors

1.1 To identify surveillance requirements for states and territories with reference to specific industry sectors as appropriate

Consolidated report describing existing surveillance levels and outlining the needs and gaps with respect to requirements for participating industries

Report accepted by AAHC as noted in minutes

Joint NAC-AAHC working group with a central person to coordinate

state and territory based reports by end 2006; national workshop by end 2007
-complete

Project complete:
A report describing current and future surveillance needs was prepared through a STF-funded consultancy. The report was considered at a surveillance workshop attended by AAHC members on 11 August 2006. The workshop report was circulated to participants.

Not applicable

Strategy 1 - Objective 2. To develop cost-effective surveillance systems tailored to address the identified gaps and needs

2.1 To develop cost-effective surveillance systems tailored to address the identified gaps and needs

Surveillance plans in place and progressively implemented for each participating industry

Confirmed in minutes of AAHC

NAC: Joint NAC-AAHC working group

Trial implementation in one sector by mid 2008
Implemented in two additional sectors by end 2009
Implemented in three additional sectors by mid 2010

Project ONGOING:
Surveillance requirements for five industry sectors have been identified through project 1.1 (above). Ongoing implementation of surveillance programs is the responsibility of relevant sectors and jurisdictions. Jurisdictions have reported on the status, or progress toward implementation, of surveillance programs for the abalone, barramundi, salmonid and edible oyster sectors.

NEXT STEPS: AAHC to facilitate the sharing of information on state and territory surveillance activities. AAHC has agreed to collate and update annually the aquatic animal health surveillance activities within jurisdictions (AAHC-15; Resolution 13). This information was collated through AAHC OOS-12-2008 and a call to update this information will be made in 2009.

Med

Strategy 1 - Objective 3. To have a surveillance information system that addresses the deficiencies found in objectives 1 &2 and to have surveillance information and analyses organised and readily accessible at a national level

3.1 To have surveillance information and analyses readily accessible at a national level as identified appropriate.

System fully implemented, populated with information and providing reports

Confirmed in minutes of AAHC

OCVO

Originally due to be designed and established and users trained by end 2006; with information submission and reporting routine by end 2007

Project deferred:
Information systems have been developed by jurisdictions to service their specific needs. A national system for collating surveillance information, beyond the existing arrangements (e.g. the QAAD system), is considered a low priority and not an efficient use of available resources. Information on state and territory surveillance activities will be shared through project 2.1 (above).

NEXT STEPS: Project deferred; status to be reassessed at next review.

Low (project deferred)

An operational pathogen register with universal web access is established and maintained

Confirmed in minutes of AAHC

OCVO

Operational pathogen register by end 2006

Project ONGOING:
A major project (funded through the STF initiative) to improve the useability and functionality of the existing database application has been completed. Considerable improvements to the quality and completeness of the dataset have also been made.

NEXT STEPS: Input from NAAH-TWG and AAHC to be sought on operating guidelines for the database. The database will form the basis of an Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network Project.

Med

Strategy 1 - Objective 4. To improve investigation and reporting of major (wild) fish kills

4.1 To improve investigation and reporting of major (wild) fish kills.

At least 80% per cent of ‘major’ fish kills investigated and reported

Review report accepted by AAHC as noted in minutes

NAAH-TWG

Protocols finalised, agreement among agencies by end 2007
Training workshops and recording system in place by end 2008
Routine annual reporting by end 2009

Project ONGOING:
The National Investigation and Reporting Protocol for Fish Kills has been endorsed by governments through the Natural Resource Management and Primary Industries Standing Committees. The protocol has been published (funded through the STF initiative) and copies sent to relevant officers in all jurisdictions.
Jurisdictions have developed systems to record information on fish kills within their jurisdiction. Jurisdictions have agreed (AAHC meeting 3 July 2007) that the most efficient means of reporting fish kills nationally is through the existing QAAD system. QAAD rapporteurs have been encouraged to make full use of the QAAD system to report major fish kills.

Not applicable

Strategy 1 - Objective 5. To create a consistent system of aquatic animal disease laboratory diagnosis and reporting across Australia

5.1 To create a consistent system of aquatic animal disease laboratory diagnosis and reporting across Australia

National laboratory network formed with quality assurance program in place

Proficiency testing for prioritised diagnostics1

Reports accepted by AAHC as noted in minutes

NAAH-TWG

Consultation and planning process completed by end 2006
Implementation underway by end 2007
Fully implemented by end 2008
Review and adjustment by end 2009

Project ONGOING:
A FRDC project on the establishment of a national aquatic animal health diagnostic network has been completed and the final report was provided to NAAH-TWG and AAHC in 2007.

NAAH-TWG considers that a network already exists but needs to be formalised. Elements of the network include a ‘slide of the quarter’, newsletter and laboratory database (under review). A 2009 round of proficiency testing using PCR techniques for virus testing and microbiological techniques for Vibrio testing is underway.

NEXT STEPS: NAAH-TWG to formalise the laboratory network and provide advice on ongoing arrangements for proficiency testing.

High

Strategy 2 - Objective 1. To harmonise the framework for aquatic animal emergency disease management in Australia

1.1 Implementation of the recommendations arising from
Exercise Tethys (aquatic) and
Exercise Minotaur (terrestrial)

Recommendations implemented

Improvements seen in updated systems

AAHC

31/12/06

Project ONGOING:
Recommendations arising from Exercise Tethys continue to be implemented and many have been incorporated into standard operating procedures of jurisdictions. Progress toward implementation of recommendations is monitored annually by AAHC.

NEXT STEPS: Implementation of recommendations is ongoing. Progress documented annually by AAHC.

Low

1.2 Identification of further opportunities to harmonise emergency disease management through the conduct of additional simulation exercises

Conduct of further simulation exercises

To the satisfaction of participating jurisdictions

OCVO

Ongoing (1 exercise per year)

Project ONGOING:
Simulation exercises are undertaken regularly by jurisdictions (e.g. ‘Exercise Bubbling Goose’, SA; ‘Exercise Rainbow’, Vic.). Conduct of simulation exercises is considered one opportunity among a range of activities that can be used to harmonise emergency disease management.

NEXT STEPS: Jurisdictions to indicate interest to hold simulation exercises in 2008-2009.

Low

Strategy 2 - Objective 2. To implement a common approach to zoning for disease control and market access 

2.1 Review and update, if required, of the current AQUAPLAN Zoning Policy Guidelines by governments and industry

Revision of zoning policy guidelines

Endorsed by AAHC

AAHC

31/05/2009

Project ONGOING:
The current AQUAPLAN Zoning Guidelines require updating to improve useability and to reflect the section on zoning and compartmentalisation in the 2007 edition of the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code.

NEXT STEPS: Update the zoning policy guidelines to improve useability and reflect changes in the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code.

Low

Strategy 2 - Objective 3. To implement a common/national approach for managing pathogens associated with the translocation of live aquatic animals across Australia

3.1 The creation and adoption of National Technical Guidelines for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Animals, with respect to pathogens

Guidelines completed and adopted

Guidelines endorsed and regularly reviewed by appropriate agencies

AAHC

31/12/2007

Project deferred:
Numerous guidelines have been developed for specific sectors; however, some projects have concluded that the practicality or utility of generic, national technical guidelines (i.e. technical guidelines that apply across sectors) is limited.
Completed projects on translocation include:
Jones, J.B., Stephens, F. 2006. Aquatic animal health subprogram: development of a national translocation policy using abalone and prawns as templates for other aquatic species. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Final Report 2004/080, 86p.
Jones, J.B. 2005. Aquatic animal health subprogram: technical guidelines for the translocation of live aquatic animals – with reference to barramundi nodavirus. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Final Report 2005/640, 24p

NEXT STEPS: AAHC considered this issue at its 30 June 2008 meeting. This project had been deferred because the practicality or usefulness of generic national technical guidelines for the translocation of live aquatic animals was considered questionable.

High (project deferred)

3.2 The development, implementation and recording (national) of specific translocation policies for live aquatic animals as appropriate

Translocation policies for live aquatic animals developed

Policies implemented by appropriate agencies

AAHC

31/12/2008

Project ONGOING:
Numerous translocation policies have been developed by jurisdictions for translocation of live aquatic animals. NAAH-TWG collates information on specific live aquatic animal translocation policies – available on the NAAH-TWG website.
NAAH-TWG held a translocation workshop in 2007 that was organised to discuss the development of common approaches to the translocation of live aquatic animals across Australia. Outcomes of this workshop include more consistent approaches to translocation of barramundi between jurisdictions.
The Aquaculture Committee has an interest in translocation of live aquatic animals. The AAHC Chair has invited closer cooperation between the two committees on translocation issues.

NEXT STEPS: Ongoing sharing of information between jurisdictions to facilitate consistency between specific translocation policies.

High

3.3 Development of policy guidelines for the translocation of bait and berley within Australia

Policy guidelines developed

Policies implemented by appropriate agencies

AAHC

31/12/2009

Project ONGOING:
A report identifying hazards in bait and berley that may impact on the health of aquatic animals has been developed by NAAH-TWG. This document is available on the NAAH-TWG webpage.

NEXT STEPS: To be progressed by AAHC Bait Translocation Working Group.

High

Strategy 2 - Objective 4. To harmonise any new legislative, code of practice or quality assurance approaches as they are initiated in aquaculture

4.1 Sharing of information to aid the harmonisation of new legislation, codes of practice, and quality assurance programs developed for the aquatic animal industries with respect to aquatic animal health

Information shared. Stakeholders consulted as appropriate

Stakeholders contribute to the forum

Aquaculture Committee

30/06/2006

Project ONGOING:

NEXT STEPS: Aquaculture Committee to provide updates as appropriate.

Low

4.2 Development of (or collation of existing) biosecurity principles for use by the wider aquaculture community as appropriate

Collation or development of biosecurity principles

Adopted by major industries

NAC

31/12/2007

Project ONGOING:
Several parties are pursuing initiatives that contribute to this project. Documents are available within Australia and internationally (e.g. OIE and FAO). Collation of documents would improve accessibility. The NAAH-TWG executive officer has advised that the NAAH-TWG website is available for sharing biosecurity documents. The NAC website is available but would require preparation of some new web pages.

NEXT STEPS: NAC to provide updates as appropriate.

Med

Strategy 3 - Objective 1: To agree on an approach to cost sharing arrangements for Australian aquaculture industries 

1.1 Development of an issues paper to provide information including: the principles of aquatic animal diseases with respect to inclusion in cost sharing agreements and identification of relevant activities within other sectors (e.g. plants, marine pests)

Issues paper developed and distributed to industry and government stakeholders

Paper presented at stakeholder forums to support the provision of formal responses

OCVO

31/07/2005-complete

PROJECT COMPLETE
An OCVO-prepared discussion paper was considered by AAHC in 2005.

not applicable

1.2 Provision of formal industry and state and territory responses on willingness (or otherwise) to enter into discussions regarding the establishment of an EADRA for the aquaculture industry

Industry and governments provide a formal response

Agreement reached on the continuation (or otherwise) of EADRA discussions

NAC, governments

31/12/2005-complete

PROJECT COMPLETE:
Formal responses were received from governments and industry in early 2005. PIHC agreed (April 2005) that preparatory work is sufficient that, with the agreement of all parties, process could go forward. Industry responses were presented to the AAHC-07 meeting (June 2005). Some jurisdictions have independently engaged with aquatic industries about the concept and need for an EADRA.

not applicable

1.3 If the decision is to move forward with the discussions -conduct of stakeholder workshop to agree on the most appropriate method to establish a CSA in Aquaculture

Workshop help

An agreed outcome reached at the workshop and the eventual implementation of Aquatic EADRA

DAFF

31/12/2006

Project ONGOING:
AAHC has formed a working group on national emergency aquatic animal disease response arrangements. The working group is tasked with determining how national arrangements for managing emergency aquatic animal disease incidents could be improved through the development of some form of agreement between aquatic industries and governments, using the abalone industry as model.

NEXT STEPS: The AAHC WG is to report on the progress of its work to AAHC. Conduct of a workshop to be considered within the context of progress by the AAHC WG.

High

Strategy 3 - Objective 2: To ensure the scientific and technical accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN

2.1 Review and validate AQUAVETPLAN manuals to ensure they are accurate/appropriate for use in an emergency response

AQUAVETPLAN manuals reviewed and validated
Process for prioritisation of new manuals/review agreed by AAHC
AQUAVETPLAN manuals accurate and take into account latest scientific findings and government policy

NAAH-TWG AAHC

On-going

Paper to AAHC by
30/06/2006 - complete

Project ONGOING:
A process for prioritisation of new manuals and review of existing manuals was endorsed by AAHC in 2006.
New manuals:

1. Disease Strategy Manual – withering syndrome of abalone (published 2006)
2. Disease Strategy Manual – abalone viral ganglioneuritis (in preparation)
3. Disease Strategy Manual – infectious salmon anaemia (completed endorsement process)
4. Operational procedures manual - decontamination (published 2008)
5. Disease Strategy manual – Piscirickettsiosis (commenced late 2008)

Manuals under review:

1. Disease strategy manual – furunculosis 2001 (within endorsement process)
2. Operational procedures manual – destruction 2002 (review commenced 2007 (within endorsement process)
3. Operational procedures manual – disposal 2002 (within endorsement process)(review commenced 2007)
4. Management manual – control centres 2001 (review commenced 2007) (within endorsement process)
5. Aquatic Animal Diseases Significant to Australia – identification field guide 2004 (Published 2008)
6. Enterprise manual (review commenced late 2008)

NEXT STEPS: AAHC Secretariat to coordinate endorsement and publication of new and revised manuals in accordance with agreed processes.

Med

Strategy 4 - Objective 1. To clearly define the current and future needs for aquatic animal health support among Australia’s aquaculture industries (established and emerging)

1.1 Identification of current resource levels within the aquatic animal health service industry, with thought given to possible succession planning activities

Issues paper developed

Paper endorsed/considered by major government and industry stakeholders

NAAH-TWG

30/06/2006

Project ONGOING:
A FRDC project (2005/641) on current and future needs for aquatic animal health training and for systems for merit-based accreditation and competency assessments has been completed. A workshop held in 2008 identified two areas for development in education.

1. Development and delivery of Modules for Professional Development in Aquatic Animal Health – this project addresses an identified need to provide practising professionals with opportunities for skill and knowledge enhancement.
2. Integration of aquatic animal health into the National Animal Health Laboratory Strategy’s (NAHLS) training initiative – this project addresses an identified need to provide graduates / early career professionals with opportunities for on-the-job training and specialisation.

High

1.2 Identify and collate existing continuing education opportunities into a training register

Training register developed

Register available for use

NAC

31/12/2006

Project ONGOING:
Not commenced

NEXT STEPS: To be addressed through project 1.1 (above)

Med

Strategy 4 - Objective 2. If required, to modify the current education and training structures to ensure Objective 1 needs are satisfied

2.1 Development and implementation of strategies to address the identified gaps, including the provision of “on the job training” and scholarship support.

Programs developed to address identified gaps

Programs endorsed by appropriate stakeholders

AAHC

31/12/2007

Project ONGOING:
Not commenced

NEXT STEPS: To be addressed through project 1.1 (above).

Med

Strategy 4 - Objective 3. To develop an accreditation/competency scheme for aquatic animal health service providers

3.1 Identify the current mechanisms for the accreditation and competency assessment of animal health professionals, and determine the suitability of these schemes for the accreditation of aquatic animal health professionals

Existing schemes reviewed for appropriateness

Aquatic animal health professionals join existing schemes

NAAH-TWG

30/06/2007

Project ONGOING:
Not commenced

NEXT STEPS: To be addressed through project 1.1 (above).

Low

3.2 Develop and implement new accreditation systems where current schemes are deemed not to meet the specific needs of aquatic animal health professionals

New schemes developed where appropriate

Aquatic animal health professionals join new schemes

NAAH-TWG

30/06/2008

Project ONGOING:
Not commenced

NEXT STEPS: To be addressed through project 1.1 (above).

Low

Strategy 4 - Objective 4. To provide training in the framework and operational aspects of aquatic animal disease emergency management.

4.1 Documentation of the training exercises conducted by state and territory governments and the Australian Government, including industry involvement and training

Training exercises documented

Increased awareness of emergency management frameworks amongst jurisdictions and industries

AAHC

On-going

Project ONGOING:
Emergency disease response training activities are collated through AAHC as an ongoing activity.

NEXT STEPS: Annual call for updates will be made by the AAHC Secretariat.

Low

4.2 Conduct training on the operations of the aquatic CCEAD

AqCCEAD training courses designed and conducted

Industry and government representatives aware of the CCEAD guidelines and their responsibilities

AAHC

On-going

Project ONGOING:
Development of an online forum for secure and more efficient distribution of committee papers is in the final stages of preparation.

NEXT STEPS:
A new ‘Share Point’ forum has been established and user guidelines prepared.

Low

4.3 Development of emergency response reference material targeted at the on-farm/industry level to raise awareness about the application of biosecurity at these levels

Awareness material (eg biosecurity video) developed and distributed, to key stakeholders

Adopted by major industries

NAC

31/12/2007

Project ONGOING:
Numerous activities are undertaken to meet the needs of individual jurisdictions and sectors (e.g. awareness material for abalone viral ganglioneuritis in several jurisdictions). STF funds have been used for the development of an on-farm emergency disease simulation exercise and standard operating procedure (completed 2007). On-farm awareness material for nodavirus and aquarium fish diseases (STF-funded) were produced and distributed in 2008.

NEXT STEPS:

Med

4.4 Ensure existing resources for EAD training are able to be used/accessed by aquatic animal health sector

Aquaculture EAD training is integrated with existing systems (both govt and industry based programs)

NAC

31/12/2007

Project ONGOING:
Some resources are accessible via the internet (e.g. AQUAVETPLAN manuals and 3rd edition of the Aquatic Animal Diseases significant to Australia field guide). Any training resources need to be consistent with the existing arrangements within each jurisdiction.

NEXT STEPS: Accessibility of EAD training resources needs to be assessed.

Med

Strategy 5 - Objective 1. To develop a scientifically based and harmonised approach to aquatic animal welfare policies across Australia

1.1 Review existing welfare policies applied in aquatic animal (including aquaculture, ornamentals and wild and recreational fishing) industries in Australia

Completion of a review of existing standards

To the satisfaction of AAHC

AAHC Animal Welfare Working Group

31/12/2005 - complete

PROJECT COMPLETE:

AAHC has agreed (Dec 2006) to prioritise the welfare of finfish until such time that further scientific information is available regarding the welfare of other aquatic animals such as molluscs and crustaceans. A review of current welfare arrangements for finfish in Australia has been completed as an activity of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) and is available on the DAFF website.

not applicable

1.2 Develop and adopt an AAHC position statement on aquatic animal welfare and seek endorsement by governments and peak industry bodies

Development of an AAHC position statement on aquatic animal welfare

Endorsement by PISC and peak industry bodies (NAC)

AAHC Animal Welfare Working Group

31/12/2006

PROJECT deferred:

AAHC has agreed to defer this project (AAHC-13, July 07) pending further progress by the AAWS Sectoral Working Group for Aquatic Animals.

NEXT STEPS: Status to be considered at next review.
The working group on aquatic animals under the AAWS is currently working on welfare codes for wild caught, ornamental and aquaculture fish.

Med (project deferred)

1.3 Continue to provide advice on aquatic animal welfare issues through the inclusion of an AAHC member on NCCAW.

Provision of advice on aquatic animal welfare issues through the inclusion of an AAHC member on NCCAW

NCCAW appreciates advice

AAHC representative on NCCAW

On-going

PROJECT redundant:
Representation of AAHC on NCCAW will no longer be possible due to changed NCCAW membership structure. Other avenues of representation are available for aquatic animal welfare issues, e.g. through the AAWS Sectoral Working Group for Aquatic Animals or through jurisdictional representation on NCCAW.

not applicable

1.4 Provide advice on the development and implementation of specific projects under the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

Provision of advice on the development & implementation of specific projects under the AAWS

To the satisfaction of AAHC

AAHC representative on NCCAW, AAHC Animal Welfare Working Group

On-going

Project ONGOING:
Significant cross-representation exists between AAHC and the AAWS Sectoral Working Group for Aquatic Animals, facilitating communication between the two groups.

NEXT STEPS: AAHC to continue to monitor progress under the AAWS.

Med

Strategy 5 - Objective 2. To increase awareness of aquatic animal welfare issues within industry

2.1 Promote the uptake of industry codes of practice through improved access to relevant information, including provision of information sourced under objective 1.1

Undertaking of industry workshops to encourage the uptake of industry codes of practice

To the satisfaction of attendees

AAHC Animal Welfare Working Group and major industry sectors

31/12/06 and on-going

Project ONGOING:
Under the AAWS, workshops have been held for ornamental, aquaculture and wild capture sectors to consider welfare aspects. The recreational fishing sector is conducting a major review of internal codes of practice.

NEXT STEPS: industry members to provide updates as appropriate.

Med

Strategy 5 - Objective 3. To assist international standard setting bodies in developing welfare guidelines and standards that are scientifically based 

3.1. Proactively engage with the relevant standard-setting bodies to assist development of international welfare standards that are underpinned by science

Proactive engagement with the relevant standard-setting bodies to assist development of international welfare standards that are underpinned by science

Invited to participate in international forums

OCVO

On-going

Project ONGOING:
The OCVO continues to coordinate Australia’s responses to proposed international aquatic animal welfare standards.

NEXT STEPS: ongoing

Med

Strategy 6: Appropriate use of therapeutics for aquatic animal health management 

Strategy 6 - Objective 1. To ensure the availability and safe use of therapeutics for cultured aquatic animals in Australia.

1.1 Update existing lists of products required for use by aquatic animal industries

Identification of products required by aquaculture industries

Products registered under MUP system

NAC

31/12/2006

Project complete:

AAHC’s Veterinary Medicines in Aquaculture Working Group (VMA-WG) consulted with industry sectors to determine priorities in early 2006. A list of priority chemicals has been developed and was circulated to AAHC for information in July 2006.

Not applicable

1.2 The formation of a working group to liaise with the APVMA. This group will be responsible for the production of issue papers and the identification of funding sources

Development of issues paper, liaison with APVMA

Issues paper considered at stakeholder workshop

NAC

30/06/2006

Project complete:

The AAHC VMA-WG has completed its work and NAC is now responsible for completing projects under this strategy.

Not applicable

1.3 The registration of up to 40 products for use by aquatic animal industries (with consideration given to the different mechanisms for registration and the registration of basic pharmaceuticals for use in generic groups of animals – crustaceans, coldwater finfish etc. – rather than specific species)

Products registered for use

Registered products used by industry

NAC

30/06/2010

Project ONGOING:
Progress has been made in pursuit of minor use permits (MUP) for a number of priority veterinary medicines; however the coordination of applications could be improved. For some applications, significant resources and experienced personnel may be required.

The NAC continues to explore opportunities to resource efficient arrangements to progress MUP applications.

High

1.4 The identification and registration of veterinary chemicals for use in cultured aquatic species in Australia using the Category 40 system through the APVMA

Positive feedback from course participants

Participants recommend course

NAC

31/06/2008

PROJECT redundant:
The APVMA’s Manual of Requirements and Guidelines no longer includes the category 40 system; however, alternatives to MUP applications may be available and are to be considered under project 1.3.

Project redundant

1.5 Encourage responsible bodies such as NAC to obtain Minor Use Permits for a range of basic pharmaceuticals to be used in generic groups of animals – crustaceans, coldwater finfish etc. – rather than specific species

MUPs obtained for a range of pharmaceuticals

Targets for registrations to be set once the target chemicals have been identified and the priorities for registration are agreed with industry

NAC

31/12/2009

Project ONGOING:
NAC’s approach to project 1.3 is consistent with this project.

NEXT STEPS:
NAC to provide updates as appropriate.

High

1.6 Conduct of sector specific farm-level training courses for the safe and appropriate use of chemicals used in aquaculture

Positive feedback from course participants

Participants recommend course

NAC

31/12/2008

Not commenced

Med

Strategy 7 - Objective 1. To ensure that market opportunities are not lost due to the use of sub-optimal health management practices in aquaculture

1.1 Encourage research in basic immunology and modulation of immune function to underpin the proposed farm management practices, including current therapeutants, future vaccines and farm management strategies

Research projects undertaken in the identified areas

Research topics contribute to improved management of aquatic animal health

NAAH-TWG

On-going

Project ONGOING:
Research into basic immunology and immuno-modulation has been included as a key research area within the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram Research and Development Plan (2004-2008).

Specific initiatives have been undertaken; e.g. Tasmania’s work to produce vaccines for the salmonid industry and international keynote presentations on immunology at the 2005 and 2007 FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram Scientific Conferences.

NEXT STEPS: NAAH-TWG to provide updates as appropriate.

Med

Strategy 7 - Objective 2. To raise awareness about disease issues associated with imported live aquatic animals

2.1 Produce and disseminate information packages on disease risks associated with imported live aquatic animals to pet shops, practising veterinarians, relevant industry organisations, and aquarium owners (with consideration given to wider distribution of brochures)

Information package produced and distributed

Information package distributed to all practicing vets, all aquarium fish societies and all registered pet shops

PIAA and AVA

30/06/2007

Project ONGOING:
A STF-funded project to develop information material on disease risks associated with imported live aquatic animals has commenced. The material is being developed and distributed in cooperation with the PIAA and the Aquatic Animal Health Chapter of the AVA.

NEXT STEPS: PIAA to provide updates as appropriate.

High