This brief summarises the results from the interdisciplinary study conducted within the Aquaclimate project in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces of the lower Mekong Delta looking at the impacts of climate change on small scale improved polyculture systems. The brief provides guidelines for policy development to address the climate change impacts on small scale improved polyculture farming systems in Vietnam and how adaptation measures should be implemented in the region.

This policy brief summarises the results from the interdisciplinary study in Ca Mau and Bac Lieu provinces of the lower Mekong Delta looking at the impacts of climate change on small scale improved polyculture farming. The brief provides guidelines for policy development to address the climate change impacts on small scale improved polyculture farming systems in Vietnam and how adaptation measures should be implemented in the region. The guidelines are based on recommendations from stakeholders including farmers.

In this issue:

Outcomes of emergency consultation on shrimp early mortality syndrome / AHPNS. Workshop on Aquaculture Planning and Management Tools. Workshop on Proficiency Testing Programme for Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories in Asia-Pacific. AFSPAN Project gets underway.

In the absence of identified biotic or abiotic cause(s) of the syndrome, this disease card provides information on signs that can be used for presumptive (pond level) and confirmative (animal level) diagnosis of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome of shrimp. The syndrome involves mass mortalities of up to 100% during the first 20-30 days after stocking. Affected shrimp consistently show an abnormal hepatopancreas, which may be shrunken, swollen or discoloured; loose shells, corkscrew swimming, pale colouration and slow growth.

Opening remarks at the Emergency Regional Consultation on Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome.

Presentation on the background objectives, structure and expected ouputs of the Emergency Regional Consultation on Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome.

Presentation on the characterisatoin, distribution, impacts and case definition for acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome.

Presentation on research progress into the bacterial or viral causes of AHPNS.

Presentation on mechanisms for the emergence of new diseases.

Presentation on novel methods for detecting previously unknown or "ghost" viruses.

Presentation on the epidemiology and risk factors for acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome.

Presentation on the role of management in acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome and "EMS".

Presentation on the impact of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome on shrimp farming in China.

Presentation on the impact of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome on shrimp farming in Thailand.

Presentation on the impact of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome in Malaysia.

Presentation on acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome in Vietnam.

Presentation on "one month mortality syndrome".

Presentation on the management of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome or "early mortality syndrome".

Presentation on emergency aquatic animal disease preparedness and response.

Outcomes of group discussion on AHPNS current knowledge, gaps and research priorities.