This report, the 26th in the series, contains information about the aquatic animal health status of fifteen states in the Asia-Pacific region. The foreword discusses responsible movement of live aquatic animals in the context of health and quarantine issues.

In this issue:

Captive breeding of vulnerable Indian carp Cirrhinus reba for conservation. Conservation of the Asiatic catfish Clarias batrachus through artificial propagation. A perspective on breeding and genetics of walking catfish in Thailand. Decline of wastewater-fed aquaculture in Hanoi. Artificial propagation of indigenous Tor species in Malaysia. Aquaculture of spotted babylon Babylonia areolata. First successful hatchery production of Napoleon wrasse Cheilinus undulatus. Trade and market trends in the live reef fish trade.

In this issue:

Kasetsart University and NACA sign MOU on genetics. Village shrimp health management project in Andhra Pradesh. A committee to manage fish health in Viet Nam. China to promote healthy shrimp farming. Father of China's shrimp aquaculture. NACA collaboration can extend to west and central Asia, Iran mission suggests. STREAM conducts monitoring & evaluation workshop. STREAM to support aquaculture in western Orissa.

Akoya oyster disease is of concern to the region and was included in the Regional NACA/FAO/OIE quarterly aquatic animal disease (QAAD) reporting list, effective first quarter of 2003, to assist in the collection of occurrence data. This disease card will support the surveillance programs of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

This report has attempted to gather all of the currently available data on the extent of P. vannamei and P. stylirostris importation and culture in Asia, its potential problems and benefits, to provide a source document from which to investigate further the means by which control over this issue might be re-established. Recommendations aimed at controlling the importation, testing and culture of these species have been made for all levels and are included in this report.

Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) is a seasonal epizootic condition of wild and farmed, fresh and brackishwater fish. Of complex infectious aetiology, it is characterised by the presence of invasive Aphanomyces infection and necrotising ulcerative lesions typically producing a granulomatous response. The disease is now endemic in South-east and south Asia, and has recently extended to West Asia. EUS is indistinguishable from red spot disease of eastern Australia and mycotic granulomatosis of Japan.

Koi herpes virus (KHV) outbreaks in the region have significant trade implications for the high value ornamental koi carp industry, and the important food fish common carp. Active trade in ornamental fish poses a potential risk for spread of KHV. Recognising the significance, "infection with koi herpesvirus" has been listed under "diseases prevalent in the region" in the NACA/FAO/OIE regional quarterly aquatic animal disease (QAAD) list, effective for reporting from first quarter of 2004.

This information sheet on slow growth syndrome in Penaeus monodon provides some background information on the possible aetiology and a working case definition. This will be useful for surveillance and epidemiological purposes to collate more information about this syndrome in the region.

This report, the 25th in the series, contains information about the aquatic animal health status of fifteen states in the Asia-Pacific region. The foreword discusses the outcomes of the third meeting of the Asia Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health.

In this issue:

Genetic considerations in fisheries and aquaculture with regards to biodiversity. Rice-fish culture for food and environmental security. Land-based aquaculture of spotted babylon Babylonia areolata in Thailand: Hatchery-based seedling operation. Shrimp health question and answer. Women in coastal aquaculture. Insights into live marine food fish markets in Asia. Farming practices, market chains and prices of marine finfish in Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong.