Biosecurity: Reducing the burden of disease

The challenges and problems of managing good biosecurity are wide-ranging and multifactorial with many compounding factors to pre-dispose farmed stocks to an increased risk of infection with consequential stock losses. Many challenges are anthropogenic in origin and may be the result of the physical location (site) and/or the poor design of the production facility (i.e., water re-use; lack of zoning based on biosecurity risk, etc.) as well as from inappropriate decisions and practices made once the site is in production (i.e., pushing the system for increased biomass production). There is a need for better regulation and health legislation across aquaculture-an industry that embraces the culture of >500 species. In the absence of regulatory frameworks and culture guidelines, it is difficult for farmers to apply certain measures such as maximum stocking densities and maximum allowed biomass, conduct disease surveillance and regular health checks, and report diseases to relevant authorities for advice. In this review, we have identified several issues which are continuing to challenge the design and implementation of efficient and effective biosecurity strategies and protocols at all levels, requiring attention over the coming decade. They are, not in any order of priority: (a) healthy seed, (b) emergency preparedness and response, (c) diagnostics, (d) microbial management at the production level, (e) disease and pathogen surveillance, (f) trade in aquatic species, (g) policies and regulatory framework, (h) welfare, (i) research and technology development, (j) antimicrobial resistance, (k) non-conventional ways of pathogen transfer, and (l) Progressive Management Pathway.

Automated summary

The challenges of managing good biosecurity in aquaculture are diverse and multifaceted, arising from both anthropogenic factors and poor design of production facilities. Lack of regulation and guidelines makes it difficult for farmers to implement necessary measures and report diseases. Issues such as healthy seed, emergency preparedness, diagnostics, disease surveillance, trade, policies, welfare, research, antimicrobial resistance, pathogen transfer, and progressive management are identified as requiring attention in the coming decade for efficient and effective biosecurity strategies.