Health and Biosecurity

The Health and Biosecurity Programme assists members to reduce the risks of aquatic animal disease impacting the livelihoods of farmers, national economies, trade, environment and human health by:

  • Improving regional cooperation in aquatic animal health and welfare.
  • Developing and implementing national strategies on aquatic animal health.
  • Improving surveillance, reporting and response to disease emergencies.
  • Promoting harmonisation of diagnostic procedures and risk assessment.
  • Widespread promotion of better aquatic animal health management practices at the farm level.

Key activities

Key activities of the programme include:

  • Convening the annual meeting of the Asia Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health, coordinating the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Report and bringing regional issues to the attention of global standard setting bodies such as the Office International des Epizooties.
  • Establishment and expansion of a three-tier shared resource in aquatic animal health.
  • Development of farm-level health management tools for key aquaculture commodities.
  • Supporting regional disease surveillance and reporting.
  • Strengthening aquatic animal health and biosecurity in the region.
  • Facilitating harmonisation in disease diagnostic techniques.
  • Developing resource material in support of diagnosis and surveillance.

Contacts

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Related

Subject tags

A collection of subject tags relating to technical matters.

In this collection

Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture and transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub

This project contributes to NACA's recent work with the FAO on aquaculture transformation. The aim is to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and partnerships. NACA is developing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub (AIIH) to help realise this vision in the region, providing a facility that will bring together innovators, startups, and investors to accelerate transformation. The project will contribute to developing National Innovation and Investment Plans for Thailand, The Philippines, and Fiji, which will address issues including climate change, disease prevention and management, environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion, and resource utilisation and management. The project is part of a wider AQUADAPT initiative, a four-year partnership running from 2023-2027, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre.

Reported Aquatic Animal Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region during the First Quarter of 2024

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021, and in lieu of the published QAAD Reports (last issue published was 4th quarter of 2020), NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This report covers the fourth quarter of 2023 and the original and updated reports can be accessed from the QAAD page.

International Hands-On Training Course on Utilising Microbiome and Genomic Resources for Understanding and Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in the One Health Context

Nitte University is hosting a five-day international training course focused on utilising microbiome and genomic resources to understand and mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a One Health context. This course aims to build capacity among professionals from low and middle-income countries in managing AMR, a critical global health issue impacting humans, animals, and the environment.

The course is organised by the FAO Reference Centres for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity and Nitte University, in collaboration with the Indian council of Agricultural Research and FAO. Registration is free but participants must meet their own travel and subsistence costs.

NACA Newsletter, Vol. XXXIX, July-September 2024

In this issue:

  • NACA and Thailand's Department of Fisheries Strengthen Collaboration.
  • Full-degree scholarships and research internship grants from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
  • Manual on Artemia production and use.
  • The Grass Carp Aquaculture Manual.
  • Pacific oyster farming: A practical manual.
  • The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024: Blue Transformation in action.
  • Safeguarding salt lake brine shrimp (Artemia) resources for aquaculture: A training project.
  • Reported Aquatic Animal Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region during the Fourth Quarter of 2023.
  • First International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium Conference, 9 September (hybrid event).

Free seminar: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, 20 June 2024 (hybrid event)

This event, held jointly via Zoom or in person at FAO Headquarters in Rome, will bring together leading experts to delve into the topic of fish vaccination and new developments regarding shrimp vaccination as a vital biosecurity strategy. Current knowledge will be reviewed, examining obstacles, and uncovering opportunities for vaccine development. Bridging theory with actionable practice, the seminar aims to foster informed decision-making, discussing the potential of vaccination and addressing associated challenges. Building upon the success of the Tilapia Health webinar held in December 2021 and Tilapia health: quo vadis, this conference will be a continuation of impactful discussions, promising a dynamic and enriching experience for all participants.

Free seminar: Fish-Vet+ Dialogue II, 18-19 June 2024 (hybrid event)

Fish-Vet+ Dialogue II: One Health and Biosecurity will be held jointly via Zoom and in person at FAO Headquarters in Rome. The dialogue provides a neutral ground for continued discussions on the pressing challenges facing aquatic food systems, particularly vulnerability to diseases in the absence of robust biosecurity measures.

The hybrid event aims to foster stronger networking among key stakeholders across the aquaculture value and supply chain, including governance authorities, the private sector and academia.

The Grass Carp Aquaculture Manual

This manual covers everything from grass carp's natural distribution and reproductive behaviours to its biology and anatomy. This manual also explores diseases that can affect grass carp and emphasises the crucial connection between animal welfare and stress in fish. With a detailed discussion on cultivation systems, this manual includes pond structures and fish farming techniques in both polyculture and monoculture. It provides practical insights into important aspects such as water quality monitoring, feeding, nutrition, health checks and behaviour assessments at every stage of grass carp farming – from broodstock management to pre-slaughter and slaughter processes. The emphasis is on responsible harvesting techniques, transportation considerations and humane slaughter methods. This manual offers a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced fish farmers, and enthusiasts interested in cultivating grass carp sustainably and ensuring optimal animal welfare.

Manual on Artemia production and use

This FAO publication on brine shrimp is a manual for all those who are using Artemia or have an interest in this organism, whether as a source of live food in the hatchery, as a model organism in research, or for other purpose. It is intended for those who wish to update their knowledge on its biology, production or its use, but also for those who want to learn about Artemia for the first time. This manual presents in a concise form essential information on Artemia biology and the most important natural cyst resources that find their way to the aquaculture market. It also provides detailed information on general principles and practical procedures to produce Artemia in ponds and in tank systems. Finally, the manual offers a compilation of state-of-the-art guidelines and methodologies related to the use of this crucial live food organism in aquaculture.

Reported Aquatic Animal Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region during the Fourth Quarter of 2023

With the implementation of the new aquatic animal disease reporting in the Asia Pacific region from January 2021, and in lieu of the published QAAD Reports (last issue published was 4th quarter of 2020), NACA is publishing reported aquatic animal diseases submitted by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This report covers the fourth quarter of 2023 and the original and updated reports can be accessed from the QAAD page.

NACA Newsletter, Vol. XXXIX, April-June 2024

In this issue:

  • 33rd NACA Governing Council held in New Delhi, India.
  • Dr Eduardo Leaño elected as next Director General of NACA.
  • Reported aquatic animal diseases in the Asia-Pacific region during the third quarter of 2023.
  • We are hiring: Professional Associate, aquaculture transformation.