Application of Biosecurity in Aquaculture Production Systems

A significant challenge to the expansion of aquaculture production is the outbreak of disease. Potential economic losses from disease outbreaks are significant, and can affect the survival of the industry. The occurrence of disease is a combination of the health of the animal, the condition of the environment, and the presence of a pathogen. The poultry industry has implemented a biosecure production system to prevent the spread of infectious disease among farms. It serves as a model to aquaculture as a reliable source of animal protein worldwide. This paper briefly highlights some of the major points and practices of biosecurity for various aquaculture production systems presented at a special workshop held in Honolulu in July 2001 and published in the proceedings, “Biosecurity in Aquaculture Production Systems: Exclusion of Pathogens and Other Undesirables” (see Lee and O’Bryen 2003). Examples of biosecurity systems used domestically and internationally in shrimp farming, finfish culture, and mollusc culture, as well as regulations and policies to prevent and control the spread of aquatic animal diseases are provided. The key elements of biosecurity are a reliable source of stocks, adequate detection and diagnostic methods for excludable diseases, disinfection and pathogen eradication methods, best management practices, and practical and acceptable