AQUAPLAN: Health Management for Finfish Aquaculture has been developed to provide Ireland with a national strategic plan for the management of finfish health. The project is led by the Marine Institute together with Vet-Aqua International, Global Trust Certification Ltd and the Irish Salmon Growers Association. The project is carried out under the Sea Change strategy with the support of the Marine Institute and the Marine Research Sub-programme of the NDP 2007 - 2013, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
In 2000, the Marine Institute set up and chaired the Irish Fish Health Advisory Group and since 2005 has worked together with the Irish Salmon Growers Association in developing a Code of Practice for Finfish Health. With the support of AquaPlan, it is proposed that this will be accompanied by a Fish Health Handbook containing technical annexes and information, which will be regularly updated. The development and implementation of these documents is seen as central to any strategic health management plan and the sustainable development of the Irish finfish aquaculture industry. The project also aims to maximise synergies with the implementation of the Fish Health Directive 2006/88/EC.
Fish Health Seminar
An annual fish health seminar will be set up providing the industry, researchers and government agencies with updates on research projects, opportunities and ongoing health issues affecting the industry. International experts will be invited to present updates and provide information on current international best practice with regard to fish health.
The third Fish Health Seminar took place at the Marine Institute on Wednesday December 7th 2011. The seminar presentations can be downloaded below.
Information Leaflets
Information leaflets were produced throughout the project on specific areas relating to fish health issues and are available for downloading below. These leaflets are specifically aimed at furthering the development of the Fish Health Handbook.
Download disease information leaflet on ISA (PDF, 330kb)
Download disease information leaflet on VHS (PDF, 320kb)
Download disease information leaflet on KHV (PDF, 956kb)
Download disease information leaflet on gyrodactylosis (PDF, 852kb)
Download disease information leaflet on rickettsiosis (PDF, 340kb)
Download disease information leaflet on pancreas disease (PDF, 1MB)
Download disease information leaflet on francisellosis (PDF, 963kb)
Download disease information leaflet on furunculosis (PDF, 1MB)
Download disease information leaflet on perch rhabdovirus (PDF, 1MB)
Download disease information leaflet on RTFS (PDF, 944kb)
Download disease information leaflet on IHN (PDF, 836k)
Download disease information leaflet on vibriosis (PDF, 1MB)
Download disease information leaflet on white spot (PDF, 1MB)
Download disease information leaflet on IPN (PDF, 1.4MB)
Download biosecurity information leaflet (PDF, 1.3MB)
Download cleaning and disinfection leaflet (PDF, 1.1MB)
Contingency Plans (new & emerging diseases)
Contingency plans outline a detailed and practical description of all the actions, procedures, instructions and control measures to be employed in the event of an outbreak of a specific disease. Under Directive 2006/88/EC each member state must have contingency plans in place for the eradication of exotic and emerging diseases. AquaPlan will therefore focus on the development of contingency plans for serious non-listed diseases which have the potential to cause significant health issues in Ireland.
Hydrographic Modelling
Hydrographic models are increasingly used as a tool in the development of fish health management plans and epidemiological investigations of disease outbreaks. AquaPlan will use hydrographic modelling in the determination of epidemiological units for marine sites around Ireland. These units are comprised of groups of animals with a defined epidemiological relationship that share approximately the same likelihood of exposure to a pathogen. Future work will investigate the use of modelling as a forecasting tool predicting the spread of a pathogen from an infected site and also look to define epidemiological units for freshwater facilities.
Training
AquaPlan will develop training and educational modules for fish farm personnel, farm managers, fish health professionals and veterinarians. Training modules will range from basic disease diagnosis to more advanced modules for veterinarians and fish health professionals. Training modules will be certified by an approved accreditation body.
Training updates:
In conjunction with Vet Aqua International training courses on disease diagnosis are held annually. Information on new courses will be available here in due course.
A zooplankton identification guide has been developed by project partners from University College Cork.
Zooplankton Identification Guide (PDF, 429 kB)
For further information please contact:
Dr. Neil Ruane, Fish Health Unit, Marine Institue.
