AQUAPLAN: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 2005–2010

July 2005 2005-2010 Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health July 2005 2005-2010 Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health AQUAPLAN 2005-2010 outlines Australia’s national strategic plan for aquatic animal health. It was jointly developed by national, state and territory governments, and private industry sectors. The production of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 was coordinated by the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on behalf of the Aquatic Animal Health Committee. Primary Industries Ministerial Council endorsed AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 in April 2005. © Commonwealth of Australia 2005 ISBN 0 9752347 3 0 This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney General’s Department, Robert Garran Office, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/securitylawhome.nsf /AllDocs/CD65420AF94d6BEECA256FA800820299?OpenDocument The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry seeks to publish its work to the highest professional standards. However, it cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of information herein. Readers should rely on their own skill and judgment in applying any information for analysis to particular issues or circumstances. For further information regarding AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 please contact: Aquatic Animal Health Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 aah@daff.gov.au Foreword Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture are vital sectors of our primary industries, averaging more than 11 per cent growth per annum throughout the past decade. The Australian Government and agrifood industries are placing great emphasis on marketing Australia as a supplier of high-quality fresh produce. It is important that these ‘clean food’ activities are underpinned by appropriate mechanisms that ensure the integrity of Australian product. As the fishery and aquaculture industries evolve, great care is needed to ensure that Australia maintains its competitive advantage and continues to provide the world with premium-quality seafood and great recreational fishing experiences. This requires commitment and alertness from all involved. Care must also be taken to ensure a healthy future for our non-food-producing aquaculture sector such as the pearl and ornamental industries. This strategy represents a shared vision of the Australian governments and industry, working together to implement an integrated and planned approach to aquatic animal health within Australia. We are pleased to release AQUAPLAN: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 2005–2010. Warren Truss Ian Macdonald Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 3 Contents Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Acronyms and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Aquatic animal health in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Scope of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Roles and responsibilities of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The future of aquaculture in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Strategy 1 Enhanced integration and scope of aquatic animal health surveillance in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rationale for Strategy 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Growth of aquaculture in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Changes to surveillance guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Implementation of Strategy 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Strategy 2 Harmonisation of approaches to aquatic animal health in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rationale for Strategy 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Harmonising legislative framework and managing disease responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Translocation guidelines for live aquatic animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Implementation of Strategy 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Strategy 3 Enhancement of aquatic animal emergency disease preparedness and response framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Rationale for Strategy 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Financial considerations for compulsory animal destruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 AQUAVETPLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Implementation of Strategy 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 5 Strategy 4 Education and training in the aquatic animal health sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Rationale for Strategy 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Required support and skill sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Education and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Implementation of Strategy 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Strategy 5 Welfare standards for aquaculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Rationale for Strategy 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Benefits of good welfare practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Developing an aquatic animal welfare position statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Implementation of Strategy 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Strategy 6 Appropriate use of therapeutics for aquatic animal health management . . . . . . . . . . 38 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Rationale for Strategy 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Therapeutic shortages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Alternative disease management methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Implementation of Strategy 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Strategy 7 Aquatic animal health management as part of ecologically sustainable development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Rationale for Strategy 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Expression of new diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Imported disease risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Use of antibiotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Future developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Implementation of Strategy 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Appendix AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Status of projects and roll-over into AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Relevant reports and references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 6 AQUAPLAN Acronyms and abbreviations AAAHIS Australian Aquatic Animal Health Information System AAHC Aquatic Animal Health Committee AAPQIS Aquatic Animal Pathogen and Quarantine Information System AFFA Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia (now known as DAFF) AHA Animal Health Australia APVMA Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority aqCCEAD Aquatic Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service AQUAPLAN Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health AQUAVETPLAN Aquatic Animal Veterinary Emergency Plan AVA Australian Veterinary Association CCEAD Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases CSA cost-sharing arrangement CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation DAFF Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry DEH Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage EADRA Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FHMC Fish Health Management Committee FRDC Fisheries Research and Development Corporation MACC Marine and Coastal Committee MDBC Murray-Darling Basin Commission MUP minor use permit NAAH-TWG National Aquatic Animal Health Technical Working Group NAC National Aquaculture Council NACA Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific NCCAW National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare OCVO Office of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer OIE World Organisation for Animal Health (formerly the Office International des Épizooties) PIJAC Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council PISC Primary Industries Standing Committee SCARM Standing Committee on Agricultural and Resource Management SCFA Standing Committee on Food and Animal Health WTO World Trade Organization STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 7 AQUAPLAN: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 2005–2010, is a broad, comprehensive strategy to build and enhance capacity for the management of aquatic animal health in Australia. The plan outlines objectives and projects to develop a national approach to emergency preparedness and response, and to the overall management of aquatic animal health. AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 succeeds AQUAPLAN 1998–2003, which was developed in response to the Report of the National Task Force on Imported Fish and Fish Products (Higgins 1996) and Australian Quarantine: A Shared Responsibility (Nairn et al 1996). AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 has been jointly developed by governments and private industry sectors under the management of the Aquatic Animal Health Committee (AAHC). The plan is consistent with existing arrangements in the terrestrial animal sector. Wherever possible, it links into existing health management arrangements of state and territory governments and industries, to avoid duplication and to use resources sensibly. There are seven main strategies within AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. Government and private sectors have identified priority projects under these seven strategies to achieve the plan’s objectives. Together, these objectives will help to maximise Australia’s ability to: • control aquatic animal disease outbreaks • maintain market access • support quality assurance • improve the productivity and sustainability of its aquatic animal production industries. The table below lists the seven AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 strategies and their objectives. This document outlines the strategic approach agreed upon by industry sectors and government, and endorsed by the AAHC, to manage aquatic animal health in Australia over the next five years. AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 identifies responsibilities and provides an indicative budget for implementation. Adjustments will become necessary as progress is reviewed. Updates and progress reports will be provided to stakeholders through the AAHC. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 9 Executive summary 10 AQUAPLAN Summary of strategies and objectives of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 Strategy Objectives 1. Enhanced integration and 1. To identify needs and gaps with respect to surveillance scope of aquatic animal health requirements for specific industry sectors. surveillance in Australia 2. To develop cost-effective surveillance systems tailored to address the identified gaps and needs. 3. To have a surveillance information system that addresses the deficiencies found in Objectives 1 and 2, which is organised and readily accessible at a national level. 4. To improve investigation and reporting of major (wild) fish kills. 5. To create a consistent system of aquatic animal disease laboratory diagnosis and reporting across Australia. 2. Harmonisation of approaches 1. To harmonise the framework for aquatic animal emergency to aquatic animal health disease management in Australia. in Australia 2. To implement a common approach to zoning for disease control and market access. 3. To implement a common approach for managing pathogens associated with the translocation of live aquatic animals across Australia. 4. To harmonise any new legislative, code of practice or quality assurance approaches as they are initiated in aquaculture. 3. Enhancement of aquatic animal 1. To agree on an approach to the establishment of an aquatic emergency disease preparedness emergency animal disease response agreement for Australian and response framework aquaculture industries. 2. To ensure the scientific and technical accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN. 4. Education and training in the 1. To clearly define the current and future needs for aquatic animal aquatic animal health sector health support among Australia’s aquaculture industries (established and emerging). 2. If required, to modify the current education and training structures to ensure the needs of Objective 1 are met. 3. To develop an accreditation and competency scheme for aquatic animal health service providers. 4. To provide training in the framework and operational aspects of aquatic animal disease emergency management. 5. Welfare standards 1. To develop a scientifically-based and harmonised approach for aquaculture to aquatic animal welfare policies across Australia. 2. To increase awareness of aquatic animal welfare issues within industry. 3. To assist international standard setting bodies in developing welfare guidelines and standards that are scientifically based. 6. Appropriate use of therapeutics for 1. To ensure the availability and safe use of therapeutics aquatic animal health management for cultured aquatic animals in Australia. 7. Aquatic animal health management 1. To ensure that market opportunities are not lost due to the use as part of ecologically sustainable of suboptimal health management practices in aquaculture. development 2. To raise awareness about disease issues associated with imported live aquatic animals. For further information regarding AQUAPLAN please contact: Aquatic Animal Health Unit, Product Integrity Animal and Plant Health, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, GPO Box 858, Canberra, ACT 2611 aah@daff.gov.au AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 In the past 20 years, many fisheries and aquaculture industries around the world have suffered major production losses because of disease epidemics. To date, Australia has largely avoided such epidemics and retains a favourable aquatic animal health status. This situation is important for international trade and the receipt of premium prices for Australian seafood exports. In 1995, a major disease incident caused the death of a substantial proportion of the Australian pilchard population. In response, the Australian Government carried out several inquiries into aquatic animal health management. The subsequent reports — Australian Quarantine: A Shared Responsibility (Nairn et al 1996) and the Report of the National Taskforce on Imported Fish and Fish Products (Higgins 1996) — revealed that Australia’s emergency response capability was limited and ad hoc in nature. In December 1999, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Warren Truss, formally launched AQUAPLAN: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 1998–2003 (Commonwealth of Australia 1999). AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 included eight programs that addressed all aspects of aquatic animal health. Its purpose was to: • maximise Australia’s ability to control aquatic animal disease outbreaks • maintain market access STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 11 Aquatic animal health in Australia AQUAPLAN: Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 2005–2010 was developed through industry and government cooperation, and followed on from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003. Its purpose is to improve the management of aquatic animal health in Australia through the development, adoption and implementation of programs, policies and codes of practices related to key aspects of aquatic animal health. • support quality assurance • improve the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s aquatic animal production industries. Between 1998 and 2001, annual AQUAPLAN stakeholder workshops were held to review progress made on AQUAPLAN projects and determine priorities for the coming year. Towards the end of the planing period, the programs were reviewed by the Fish Health Management Committee (FHMC) Secretariat (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). Many stakeholders helped to implement these priority projects, including the Australian Government (with its various groups within the then Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Australia, AFFA), state and territory governments, educational institutions, and the commercial fishing (including aquaculture) and recreational fishing sectors. In the May 2000 budget, the Australian Government announced its Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health program. Within this initiative, approximately $3 million over four years was allocated as administered funds to support aquatic animal health in four specific program areas: • diagnostics • emergency management planning • emergency management training and incident simulation • [establishment of a] joint industry or government body for aquatic animal health management. In addition, in the 2001 budget, the Australian Government provided departmental funds to AFFA to extend that department’s commitment to aquatic animal health for at least another four years. AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 provided, for the first time, an integrated and planned approach, with industry and governments working together to maximise the opportunities for, and profitability of, Australian aquaculture and fisheries. AQUAPLAN – A Five Year Review (Commonwealth of Australia 2002), released in 2002, reviewed the achievements of all eight AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 programs. The review found that considerable progress had been made under AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 (see appendix), that it had delivered significant benefits to the industry and that its integrated approach was required for Australia to remain competitive. However, the review also noted that several priority areas within aquatic animal health remained to be addressed, and that many of the original projects had become core work of several agencies. With aquaculture expanding to reach a production target of $2.5 billion by 2010 (ACIL 1999), industries will increasingly focus on export markets to sell their products. Disease problems are becoming an increasing de facto barrier for international trade in fish and fish products. Therefore, a new, national aquatic animal health strategy is needed to underpin the necessary programs that protect our disease-free status and ensure that our aquaculture industry continues to produce ‘clean green’ seafood of superior quality. 12 AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 Through the Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health and Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda programs, the Australian Government funded three workshops between late 2003 and early 2004. These workshops aimed to identify priority health issues, for Australian, state and territory government and industry, that the aquaculture industry will face from 2005 to 2010. The workshops were held with the Aquatic Animal Health Committee (AAHC) and its technical advisory group, the National Aquatic Animal Health Technical Working Group (NAAH-TWG). They also included representation from the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH), the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC), the National Aquaculture Council (NAC) and the wild-catch and recreational fishery industries. Participants at the workshops identified more than 40 separate issues, encompassing a wide range of topics, to be included in the new AQUAPLAN. They recognised that no single strategy could cover all relevant issues, and that a highly focused strategy was more likely to be adopted and implemented effectively. Therefore, participants ranked the identified issues in order of importance for the next five years, noting that some issues were already covered by other agencies or bodies. The seven highest ranked priority areas thus became the strategies within AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. These strategies are: 1. Enhanced integration and scope of aquatic animal health surveillance in Australia 2. Harmonisation of approaches to aquatic animal health in Australia 3. Enhancement of aquatic animal emergency disease preparedness and response framework 4. Education and training in the aquatic animal health sector 5. Welfare standards for aquaculture 6. Appropriate use of therapeutics for aquatic animal health management 7. Aquatic animal health management as part of ecologically sustainable development. These strategies replace the eight priority programs of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003. The following sections of this document examine what was achieved by the previous eight priority programs, discuss the development of the seven AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 strategies in light of the current needs of Australian aquaculture industries, and outline the objectives of the seven strategies. Scope of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 focuses on health in fish, molluscs and crustaceans in aquaculture (including ornamental fish) and recreational fishing, as well as the role of health in commercial fisheries. It also recognises that organisations and programs other than those traditionally associated with aquatic animal health may play a role in health management, because their natural functions align with the overall aims of the plan. Such organisations and programs include the Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the MDBC and DEH. As recognised by AQUAPLAN – A Five Year Review, many of the AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects are ongoing in nature. These projects are now part of the core responsibility of government agencies and, although they are not specifically mentioned in AQUAPLAN 2005–2010, they will continue to occur. For example, emergency management and preparedness is now an established component of aquatic animal health management in Australia, and therefore, its underpinning tools (eg AQUAVETPLAN) and activities will continue to be supported and improved. Other components that are not specifically mentioned in AQUAPLAN 2005–2010, but are considered core work and will continue to be supported by governments and industry, are the AAHC, its supporting structure (secretariat) and the NAAH-TWG. Although AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 features seven discrete strategies, it has several common themes, such as recognition of the need for research and the ability to adapt to include emerging aquaculture industries. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 13 Compared with the terrestrial animal industries, knowledge of aquatic animal health management is limited. Research is critical to expand this knowledge and improve management practices to prevent disease or limit its impact on aquaculture industries. During the AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 tenure, responsibility for strategic research was transferred to the FRDC and its Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram. Research will continue to be supported through the FRDC and its Strategic Research and Development Plan for Aquatic Animal Health, as well as through research providers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and state departments, Technical and Further Education institutions (TAFEs) and academia. These research areas include vaccines, immunostimulants and probiotics. AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 recognises that new industries will emerge, and that health management within these industries is crucial to their survival. Therefore, the plan integrates emerging industries in each of the individual strategies, rather than including them in stand-alone strategies. Roles and responsibilities of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 was endorsed by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council in April 2005, and is to be adopted by governments and aquatic animal industries Australia-wide. Although AAHC oversaw the plan’s development, stakeholders (eg industries, state and territory governments or the Australian Government) are responsible for implementing projects within the seven strategies. These responsibilities are clearly defined in the individual strategies, and the methods of implementation through discrete projects are also itemised. The responsibility for implementing each strategy ultimately rests with governments or industries; however, each strategy is assigned a ‘driver’ or body that will actively progress implementation by encouraging the responsible bodies to deliver them as part of their core activities, or through helping with contract work. AAHC will play a role in monitoring progress and fine-tuning projects. The future of aquaculture in Australia Aquaculture cannot develop without improved infrastructure, such as laboratory capability and capacity, and skilled staff. Such improvements require a shared approach between governments and aquatic industries, similar to the approaches taken in the terrestrial animal and plant sectors. Adequate resources are also needed. An ad hoc opportunistic approach to aquatic animal health funding and resourcing will not be in the best interest of either industries or governments. Such an approach will also be detrimental to Australia’s international reputation, and have a negative impact on trade. Forward planning at the strategic level is essential. Resource needs should be identified, and an agreement reached on ‘who provides what’ and, ultimately, ‘who pays’. AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 provides this strategic approach to aquatic animal health in Australia. In addition, each strategy includes a detailed description of its objectives and the projects required to achieve them. Roles and responsibilities, timelines and performance indicators are identified in an implementation table to assess the progress of each objective. Some key risks are listed, and contingency actions are also included. AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 represents a shared vision of governments and industry working together to implement an integrated and planned approach to aquatic animal health within Australia. 14 AQUAPLAN Strategy 1 builds on what was achieved by Program 3 (Surveillance, monitoring and reporting) of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003, and aims to support cost-effective surveillance activities that meet national, state and industry needs effectively. The objectives of Strategy 1 are given in Box 1. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale of Strategy 1 of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 1). STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 15 Strategy 1 – Enhanced integration and scope of aquatic animal health surveillance in Australia Box 1 Objectives of Strategy 1 Objective 1 To identify needs and gaps with respect to surveillance requirements for specific industry sectors. Objective 2 To develop cost-effective surveillance systems tailored to address the identified gaps and needs. Objective 3 To have a surveillance information system that addresses the deficiencies found in objectives 1 and 2 and to have surveillance information and analyses organised and readily accessible at a national level. Objective 4 To improve investigation and reporting of major (wild) fish kills. Objective 5 To create a consistent system of aquatic animal disease diagnosis, surveillance and reporting across Australia. Table 1 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 included eight priority programs. Program 3, (Surveillance, monitoring and reporting), comprised three projects: surveillance and monitoring, reporting, and zoning. Each of these projects was further subdivided into a number of components to address identified priorities. In 2002, AQUAPLAN – A Five Year Review found that all projects within Program 3 were either completed or were ongoing activities. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. Rationale for Strategy 1 Strategy 1 of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 aims to continue the achievements of Program 3 by ensuring that surveillance systems meet specific industry requirements. Participating industry sectors are the main beneficiaries, particularly those that are larger and export focused. Governments will also benefit from a more efficient use of resources. The main drivers for a continued effort to enhance aquatic animal health surveillance are: • an increase in disease risks associated with increasing production • a shift in emphasis to export markets demanding improved health certification • the maintenance of Australia’s present high health status for aquatic animals • changes to international surveillance standards requiring improved evidence of health status. These drivers, which are discussed in more detail below, are important for the five major industry sectors — pearls, tuna, oysters, prawns and salmon — which collectively accounted for more than 88 per cent of the gross value of production in 2003 (ABARE 2004). These sectors have different surveillance priorities and needs. For example, the highest priority for an established export-focused industry where individual animals have a high value may be the early detection of new diseases. On the other hand, an emerging industry may still be clarifying the relative importance of existing endemic diseases. Surveillance priorities are likely to change as an industry develops, and Strategy 1 will address this by monitoring the needs of each industry sector and developing a cost-effective surveillance system accordingly. Growth of aquaculture in Australia The drivers for Strategy 1 reflect changes to the needs and management of Australian aquaculture as the industry continues to grow. In the future, increased production of aquatic animal commodities in Australia is likely to derive from farming rather than from fishing. Since 1992–93, the real value of Australian aquaculture production has more than doubled, from $331 million (in 2002–03 dollars) to $743 million in 2002–03. This represents an annual rate of growth of 11 per cent in nominal terms and 8 per cent in real terms (ABARE 2004). To achieve industry forecasts of $2.5 billion annual sales by 2010 (ACIL 1999), this rate of growth will need to be maintained (Dadswell 2001), representing a doubling in value every six years and tripling every 10 years. Increases in production volume are likely to at least parallel increases in value. Although domestic consumption is growing, there will be much more dependence on export markets in the future. Increased production can result from an increase in numbers of farms or animals, stocking densities or production efficiency, or from a combination of these factors. Increased production will increase disease risks, while growing reliance on export markets will mean a greater need to meet client country requirements for evidence of health status. Freedom from many serious diseases is one of Australian aquaculture’s prime competitive advantages in meeting future global demand (Dadswell 2001). Continuing industry expansion depends on this high health status being maintained through initiatives (such as the projects planned under Strategy 1) that reduce the risk of disease incursions, and improve early detection and response to emerging disease problems (ACIL 1999). 16 AQUAPLAN Changes to surveillance guidelines Strategy 1 also takes into account the recent changes to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) standards, which affect surveillance. Section 1.1.4 of the 4th edition of the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals (OIE 2003) outlines new requirements for surveillance to recognise freedom from infection. These new guidelines shift the emphasis to output-oriented surveillance, and permit countries to use any scientifically justifiable technique to undertake surveillance. This situation challenges OIE member countries to meet quantifiable and demonstrable standards of proof for disease status claims, but encourages innovative approaches for providing this proof. Surveillance requirements range from demonstrating the historical absence of disease or absence of susceptible species, to supporting claims of absence of infection using disease-specific surveys, sampling and laboratory-based testing of clinically healthy animals. Surveillance is also required to detect major fish kills. In this context, a major fish kill is evidence of unnaturally high numbers of an aquatic animal species’ mortality during a specified period, which adversely affects the viability or health of the species’ population in a local geographical area, or in the whole or part of an aquatic or catchment ecosystem. Although unregulated recreational fish stocking poses a problem for surveillance, this issue cannot be addressed effectively using this strategy. However, the objectives of Strategy 1 will improve monitoring of other fish kills, as well as maintaining Australian aquaculture’s high health status through an efficient, national surveillance system. Implementation of Strategy 1 The five objectives of Strategy 1 will address issues relating to the growth of the Australian aquaculture industry and changes to surveillance guidelines. For each objective, there is a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 1 is summarised in Table 1. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 17 18 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 1 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 1 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To id en ti fy ne ed s an d ga ps w it h re sp ec t to su rv ei lla nc e re qu ir em en ts fo r sp ec if ic in du st ry se ct or s 1. 1 To id en ti fy su rv ei lla nc e Co ns ol id at ed re po rt de sc rib in g R ep or t St at e an d te rr it or y Jo in t N A C A A H C In du st ry an d In du st ri es do D ev el op re qu ir em en ts fo r st at es ex is ti ng su rv ei lla nc e le ve ls ac ce pt ed re po rt s by en d 20 06 w or ki ng gr ou p go ve rn m en ts no t pa rt ic ip at e so le ly th ro ug h an d te rr it or ie s w it h an d ou tl in in g th e ne ed s by A A H C N at io na lw or ks ho p w it h a ce nt ra l go ve rn m en t re fe re nc e to sp ec if ic an d ga ps w it h re sp ec t as no te d by en d 20 07 pe rs on to ag en ci es in du st ry se ct or s as to re qu ir em en ts fo r in m in ut es co or di na te ap pr op ri at e pa rt ic ip at in g in du st ri es O bj ec ti ve 2. To de ve lo p co st e ff ec ti ve su rv ei lla nc e sy st em s ta ilo re d to ad dr es s th e id en ti fi ed ga ps an d ne ed s 2. 1 To de ve lo p co st e ff ec tiv e Su rv ei lla nc e pl an s in C on fi rm ed Tr ia li m pl em en ta ti on in N A C :J oi nt In du st ry an d Sy st em at ic Ta ke a le ss su rv ei lla nc e sy st em s pl ac e an d pr og re ss iv el y in m in ut es on e se ct or by en d 20 08 N A C A A H C go ve rn m en ts ap pr oa ch st ru ct ur ed ta ilo re d to ad dr es s th e im pl em en te d fo r ea ch of A A H C Im pl em en te d in tw o w or ki ng gr ou p no t ef fe ct ed ap pr oa ch bu t at id en tif ie d ga ps an d ne ed s pa rt ic ip at in g in du st ry ad di ti on al se ct or s le as t do cu m en t by en d 20 09 sp ec if ic ob je ct iv es Im pl em en te d in th re e an d im pl em en t ad di ti on al se ct or s a ba si c w or k pl an by m id 20 10 O bj ec ti ve 3. To ha ve a su rv ei lla nc e in fo rm at io n sy st em th at ad dr es se s th e de fi ci en ci es fo un d in O bj ec ti ve s 1 an d 2 an d to ha ve su rv ei lla nc e in fo rm at io n an d an al ys es or ga ni se d an d re ad ily ac ce ss ib le at a na ti on al le ve l 3. 1 To ha ve su rv ei lla nc e Sy st em fu lly im pl em en te d, C on fi rm ed A n in fo rm at io n sy st em O C VO O C VO St ak eh ol de rs R ev er t to pr es en t in fo rm at io n an d an al ys es po pu la te d w it h in fo rm at io n in m in ut es de si gn ed an d es ta bl is he d do no t po pu la te sy st em w hi ch is re ad ily ac ce ss ib le at an d pr ov id in g re po rt s of A A H C an d us er s tr ai ne d sy st em lik el y to be le ss a na ti on al le ve la s by en d 20 06 ef fi ci en t in th e id en ti fi ed ap pr op ri at e In fo rm at io n su bm is si on lo ng te rm an d re po rt in g ro ut in e by en d 20 07 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 19 Ta bl e 1 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 1 co nt in ue d… Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y A n op er at io na lp at ho ge n C on fi rm ed En d 20 06 O C VO O C VO St ak eh ol de rs R ev er t to pr es en t re gi st er w it h un iv er sa l in m in ut es do no t no ti fy sy st em w hi ch is w eb ac ce ss is es ta bl is he d of A A H C re gi st er w he n lik el y to be le ss an d m ai nt ai ne d pa th og en s ef fi ci en t in th e id en ti fi ed lo ng te rm O bj ec ti ve 4. To im pr ov e in ve st ig at io n an d re po rt in g of m aj or (w ild ) fi sh ki lls 4. 1 To im pr ov e in ve st ig at io n A t le as t 80 pe r ce nt R ev ie w re po rt Pr ot oc ol s fi na lis ed , N A A H T W G St at es an d M aj or fi sh ki lls In qu ir e th ro ug h an d re po rt in g of m aj or of ‘m aj or ’f is h ki lls ac ce pt ed ag re em en t am on g te rr it or ie s no t in ve st ig at ed A A H C w hy no t (w ild ) fi sh ki lls in ve st ig at ed an d re po rt ed by AA H C ag en ci es by en d 20 07 ha pp en in g as no te d Tr ai ni ng w or ks ho ps M aj or fi sh ki lls O nl y im pa ct s in m in ut es an d re co rd in g sy st em no t id en ti fi ab le on ab ili ty to in pl ac e by en d 20 08 es ti m at e pe r ce nt R ou ti ne an nu al in ve st ig at ed re po rt in g by en d 20 09 O bj ec ti ve 5. To cr ea te a co ns is te nt sy st em of aq ua ti c an im al di se as e la bo ra to ry di ag no si s an d re po rt in g ac ro ss A us tr al ia 5. 1 To cr ea te a co ns is te nt N at io na ll ab or at or y R ep or ts C on su lt at io n an d N A A H T W G G ov er nm en ts So m e R ev er t to pr es en t sy st em of aq ua tic an im al ne tw or k fo rm ed w it h ac ce pt ed w or ks ho p pl an ni ng an d la bo ra to ri es la bo ra to ri es sy st em w hi ch is di se as e la bo ra to ry qu al it y as su ra nc e by A A H C pr oc es s co m pl et ed do no t lik el y to be le ss di ag no si s an d re po rt in g pr og ra m in pl ac e as no te d by en d 20 06 pa rt ic ip at e ef fi ci en t in th e ac ro ss A us tr al ia in m in ut es Im pl em en ta ti on lo ng te rm un de rw ay by en d 20 07 Fu lly im pl em en te d by en d 20 08 R ev ie w an d ad ju st m en t by en d 20 09 A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; N A A H T W G = N at io na lA qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h Te ch ni ca lW or ki ng G ro up ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il; O C VO = O ff ic e of th e A us tr al ia n C hi ef Ve te ri na ry O ff ic er Strategy 2 builds on the achievements of Program 7 from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 (Legislation, policies and jurisdiction). The strategy will harmonise approaches to aquatic animal health in Australia. It will achieve this by providing the basis for an effective management system for emergency and endemic disease, and for international and domestic trade in aquatic animal products. The objectives of Strategy 2 are given in Box 2. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale of Strategy 2 of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 2). 20 AQUAPLAN Strategy 2 – Harmonisation of approaches to aquatic animal health in Australia Box 2 Objectives of Strategy 2 Objective 1 To harmonise the framework for aquatic animal emergency disease management in Australia. Objective 2 To implement a common approach to zoning for disease control and market access. Objective 3 To implement a common approach for managing pathogens associated with the translocation of live aquatic animals across Australia. Objective 4 To harmonise any new legislative, code of practice or quality assurance approaches as they are initiated in aquaculture. Table 2 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 Program 7 of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 (Legislation, policies and jurisdiction) comprised two projects: legislation, policies and jurisdiction; and translocation. Each project was subdivided into components that address identified priorities. When reviewed in 2002, all projects within Program 7 were either completed or were ongoing activities. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. Rationale for Strategy 2 Strategy 2 will build on Program 7 of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 to support aquaculture industry growth through effective emergency animal disease response systems. This growth also depends on translocating aquatic animals, and industry and government must therefore have a legislative and practical framework that allows: • legislative and cooperative approaches to emergency disease outbreaks • zoning systems for disease control and marketing purposes • a system of translocation of live aquatic animals and aquatic animal products. Matching the approaches of these frameworks will make them more efficient and effective, and will help to ensure a consistent approach between Australia’s internal processes and international obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Harmonising legislative framework and managing disease responses The objectives of Strategy 2 will ensure consistency in legislation across jurisdictions, leading to more effective and efficient emergency disease responses. They will also support the actions of the new rapid response team that provides additional resources to manage emergency disease responses, where required by states and territories. Strategy 2 recognises that jurisdictions may have different risk-management strategies, depending on what aquatic industries are present, the size of those industries, local risk factors and, in particular, environmental issues specific to each jurisdiction. Translocation guidelines for live aquatic animals Using agreed translocation guidelines, Strategy 2 will also help to organise the existing translocation guidelines for live aquatic animals (Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture 1999) into discrete, active systems. The strategy will produce a consistent translocation process that will be aligned with Australia’s international requirements for quarantine protocols of live aquatic animal movement into Australia. The existing AQUAPLAN Zoning Policy Guidelines (Commonwealth of Australia 2001) will also be reviewed by Strategy 2. A strategic advantage of aquatic animal health over terrestrial animal health is the relative newness of the systems that are in place. Strategy 2 uses this advantage by ensuring that any new initiatives are approached in a coordinated way across jurisdictions. In this document, harmonisation means a consistent approach, but it does not mean that all jurisdictions or industries must have the same legislation, codes of practice or quality assurance programs, or the same outcomes. Implementation of Strategy 2 The four objectives of Strategy 2 will address issues relating to the coordination of a national emergency disease response, the organisation of zones for marketing and disease control, and the production of translocation guidelines for live aquatic animals. For each objective, there is a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 2 is summarised in Table 2. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 21 22 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 2 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 2 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To ha rm on is e th e fr am ew or k fo r aq ua ti c an im al em er ge nc y di se as e m an ag em en t in A us tr al ia 1. 1 Im pl em en ta ti on of th e R ec om m en da ti on s Im pr ov em en ts 31 1 2 20 06 A A H C Pa rt ic ip at in g Ju ri sd ic ti on s Se ek hi gh le ve l re co m m en da ti on s — im pl em en te d se en in ju ri sd ic ti on s un w ill in g to en do rs em en t w he re ap pl ic ab le — up da te d im pl em en t th e (P IS C) of th e ar is in g fr om th e fi rs t tw o sy st em s re co m m en da tio ns im pl em en ta ti on m ul ti ju ri sd ic ti on di se as e of th e si m ul at io n ex er ci se s: re co m m en da tio ns Ex er ci se Te th ys (a qu at ic ) an d Ex er ci se M in ot au r (t er re st ri al ) 1. 2 Id en ti fi ca ti on of fu rt he r C on du ct of fu rt he r To th e O ng oi ng (o ne O C VO Pa rt ic ip at in g Ju ri sd ic ti on s A dd re ss th e ne ed op po rt un it ie s to si m ul at io n ex er ci se s sa tis fa ct io n of ex er ci se pe r ye ar ) ju ri sd ic ti on s do no t se e th e at hi gh le ve l ha rm on is e em er ge nc y pa rt ic ip at in g ne ed fo r th es e fo ru m s (e g PI SC ) di se as e m an ag em en t ju ri sd ic ti on s ha rm on is at io n th ro ug h th e co nd uc t ac ti vi ti es of ad di ti on al si m ul at io n ex er ci se s O bj ec ti ve 2. To im pl em en t a co m m on ap pr oa ch to zo ni ng fo r di se as e co nt ro la nd m ar ke t ac ce ss 2. 1 R ev ie w an d up da te ,i f R ev is io n of zo ni ng En do rs ed 31 1 2 20 06 A A H C G ov er nm en ts Im po rt an ce H ig hl ig ht th e re qu ir ed ,o f th e cu rr en t po lic y gu id el in es by A A H C of re vi si on no t ne ed fo r up da te d A Q U A PL A N Zo ni ng Po lic y re co gn is ed , gu id el in es G ui de lin es by go ve rn m en ts no r re vi si on s at hi gh le ve l an d in du st ry im pl em en te d fo ru m s (e g PI SC ) STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 23 Ta bl e 2 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 2 co nt in ue d… Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 3. To im pl em en t a co m m on ap pr oa ch fo r m an ag in g pa th og en s as so ci at ed w it h th e tr an sl oc at io n of liv e aq ua ti c an im al s ac ro ss A us tr al ia 3. 1 Th e cr ea tio n an d ad op tio n G ui de lin es co m pl et ed G ui de lin es 31 1 2 20 07 A A H C A A H C Fa ilu re to H ig h le ve l of N at io na lT ec hn ic al an d ad op te d en do rs ed en ga ge dr iv er s ag re em en t is G ui de lin es fo r th e an d re gu la rl y fo r in di vi du al re qu ir ed th at Tr an sl oc at io n of Li ve re vi ew ed by pr oj ec ts fl ow s do w n to A qu at ic A ni m al s, w it h ap pr op ri at e re sp on si bi lit ie s re sp ec t to pa th og en s ag en ci es in in di vi du al go ve rn m en ts an d 3. 2 Th e de ve lo pm en t, Tr an sl oc at io n po lic ie s Po lic ie s 31 1 2 20 08 A A H C In du st ry in du st ri es — th is im pl em en ta ti on an d fo r liv e aq ua ti c an im al s im pl em en te d is pa rt ic ul ar ly tr ue re co rd in g (n at io na l) of de ve lo pe d by ap pr op ri at e fo r da ta di ct io na ry sp ec if ic tr an sl oc at io n ag en ci es ch an ge s an d po lic ie s fo r liv e aq ua ti c es ta bl is hm en t of an im al s as ap pr op ri at e N at io na lR ef er en ce La bo ra to ri es 3. 3 D ev el op m en t of po lic y P o lic y gu id el in es Po lic ie s 31 1 2 20 09 A A H C A A H C gu id el in es fo r th e de ve lo pe d im pl em en te d tr an sl oc at io n of ba it by ap pr op ri at e an d be rle y w ith in ag en ci es Au st ra lia 24 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 2 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 2 co nt in ue d… Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 4. To ha rm on is e an y ne w le gi sl at iv e, co de of pr ac ti ce or qu al it y as su ra nc e ap pr oa ch es as th ey ar e in it ia te d in aq ua cu lt ur e 4. 1 Pr ov is io n of a fo ru m fo r In fo rm at io n sh ar ed , St ak eh ol de rs 30 0 6 20 06 A qu ac ul tu re M A C C In di vi du al H ig h le ve l th e sh ar in g of in fo rm at io n st ak eh ol de rs co ns ul te d co nt ri bu te C om m it te e st at es or ag re em en t to ai d th e ha rm on is at io n as ap pr op ri at e to th e fo ru m in du st ri es re qu ir ed at of ne w le gi sl at io n, co de s av oi d M in is te ri al of pr ac ti ce ,a nd qu al it y co or di na te d C ou nc il le ve l as su ra nc e pr og ra m s de ve l ap pr oa ch es op ed fo r th e aq ua tic an im al an d go th ei r in du st ri es w it h re sp ec t to ow n w ay aq ua ti c an im al he al th 4. 2 D ev el op m en t of (o r C ol la ti on or de ve lo pm en t A do pt ed by 31 1 2 20 07 N A C A A H C /I nd us tr y co lla ti on of ex is ti ng ) bi o of bi os ec ur it y pr in ci pl es m aj or in du st ri es se cu rit y pr in ci pl es fo r us e by th e w id er aq ua cu ltu re co m m un ity as ap pr op ria te . A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; M A C C = M ar in e an d C oa st al C om m it te e; N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il; O C VO = O ff ic e of th e A us tr al ia n C hi ef Ve te ri na ry O ff ic er ; PI SC = Pr im ar y In du st ri es St an di ng C om m it te e Strategy 3 builds on Programs 4 and 8 from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003. This strategy will ensure rapid and effective responses to emergency aquatic animal disease incidents by establishing a standard approach to emergency responses for Australian aquaculture industries, and assessing the accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN (Aquatic Animal Veterinary Emergency Plan). The objectives of Strategy 3 are given in Box 3. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale for Strategy 3. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 3). STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 25 Strategy 3 – Enhancement of aquatic animal emergency disease preparedness and response framework Box 3 Objectives of Strategy 3 Objective 1 To agree on an approach to the establishment of an aquatic emergency animal disease response agreement for Australian aquaculture industries. Objective 2 To ensure the scientific and technical accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN. Table 3 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 Program 4 of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 (Preparedness and response) comprised two projects: to include aquatic animal disease management in the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD) process, and to develop AQUAVETPLAN (see below). Program 8 of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 (Resources and funding), comprised five projects: • ongoing funding arrangements for AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 • funding to underpin aquatic animal disease emergency response arrangements (AQUAVETPLAN) • continuing funding to support disease monitoring and surveillance and reporting activities • continuing funding to support development of awareness and promotion for aquatic animal diseases • evaluating the potential for insurance companies and underwriters to provide compensation coverage. The final review found that significant progress for Program 4 had been achieved; however, Program 8 was the most difficult AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 program to implement, and had only made marginal progress. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. Rationale for Strategy 3 The two objectives of Strategy 3 extend the work of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 in establishing rapid and efficient emergency disease responses. To achieve this, the strategy will examine the financial consequences of compulsory animal destruction, and the scientific and technical accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN for managing an emergency disease response. These two issues are discussed in more detail below. Financial considerations for compulsory animal destruction In 2002, the AQUAPLAN Resources and Funding Consultancy (EconSearch 2002) identified gaps in aquacultural insurance and recommended that insurance and potential options for dealing with compulsory destruction be reviewed. The subsequent FRDC-funded study on funding and compensation for compulsory destruction of aquatic animal stock and crop loss coverage (East 2004) found that: • compulsory destruction of stock to contain disease is exempted from standard aquaculture stock mortality insurance policies • related expenses could be covered through a cost-sharing arrangement (CSA). 26 AQUAPLAN The review recommended that a cost-effective pathway for establishing a CSA be investigated and illustrated, using a major sector of aquaculture as a pilot study. Subsequently, a pilot study examined the feasibility of the salmonid sector joining Animal Health Australia (AHA) and accessing the terrestrial Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA) program to cover the salmon industry in the event of an emergency disease outbreak. The study recommended that either sectors of aquaculture join AHA and become signatories to the existing EADRA, or a separate aquaculture CSA (administered by AHA or independently) be formed. Given these background studies, the aquaculture industry, or sectors of it, must decide on the most appropriate option for establishing CSAs. Strategy 3 will develop and assess principles for including aquatic animal diseases in CSAs as part of its objective to establish a coordinated, rapid and efficient emergency disease response. AQUAVETPLAN The Australian AQUAVETPLAN was developed as part of Program 4 of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003, and will be reviewed by Strategy 3 of AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. AQUAVETPLAN is a series of technical response documents that describe Australia’s proposed approach to an emergency aquatic animal disease incident. The documents provide guidance based on sound analysis, linking policy, strategies, implementation, coordination and emergency management plans, and form the basis of emergency responses. They will be updated as required, to take account of research, experience and field trials, and to cover emerging disease threats. As the Australian aquaculture industry continues to grow, there will be an increased need to be aware of, and understand, emergency management frameworks among industries and governments. Therefore, Strategy 3 will review AQUAVETPLAN and assess its scientific and technical accuracy, to ensure its continuing relevance to Australian aquaculture industries. Implementation of Strategy 3 The two objectives of Strategy 3 will address issues relating to a coordinated, rapid and effective emergency response (including financial considerations), and the accuracy of AQUAVETPLAN for the current needs of aquaculture industries. For each objective, there is a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 3 is summarised in Table 3. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 27 28 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 3 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 3 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To ag re e on an ap pr oa ch to th e es ta bl is hm en t of an aq ua ti c em er ge nc y an im al di se as e re sp on se ag re em en t fo r A us tr al ia n aq ua cu lt ur e in du st ri es 1. 1 D ev el op m en t of an is su es pa pe r Is su es pa pe r de ve lo pe d Pa pe r pr es en te d 31 0 7 05 D A FF O C VO Fa ilu re to co m pl et e Id en ti fy re so ur ce s to pr ov id e in fo rm at io n in cl ud in g an d di st ri bu te d at st ak eh ol de r w it hi n ti m e fr am e av ai la bl e to th e pr in ci pl es of aq ua ti c an im al to in du st ry an d fo ru m s to co m pl et e th e di se as es w ith re sp ec t to in cl us io n go ve rn m en t su pp or t th e pa pe r w it hi n in co st sh ar in g ag re em en ts st ak eh ol de rs pr ov is io n of ti m ef ra m es an d id en ti fi ca ti on of re le va nt fo rm al re sp on se s ac ti vi ti es w it hi n ot he r se ct or s (e g pl an ts ,m ar in e pe st s) 1. 2 Pr ov is io n of fo rm al in du st ry an d In du st ry an d A gr ee m en t re ac he d 31 1 2 05 N A C , A A H C La ck of in te re st Fo st er su pp or t at st at e an d te rr it or y re sp on se s on go ve rn m en ts pr ov id e on th e co nt in ua ti on go ve rn m en ts hi gh in du st ry an d w ill in gn es s (o r ot he rw is e) to a fo rm al re sp on se (o r ot he rw is e) of go ve rn m en t le ve ls en te r in to di sc us si on s re ga rd in g EA D R A di sc us si on s th e es ta bl is hm en t of an EA D R A fo r th e aq ua cu lt ur e in du st ry 1. 3 If th e de ci si on is to m ov e fo rw ar d W or ks ho p he ld A n ag re ed ou tc om e 31 1 2 06 D A FF w it h th e di sc us si on s, co nd uc t re ac he d at th e a st ak eh ol de r w or ks ho p to w or ks ho p an d ag re e on th e m os t ap pr op ri at e th e ev en tu al m et ho d to es ta bl is h an EA D R A im pl em en ta ti on of fo r th e aq ua cu lt ur e in du st ri es an A qu at ic EA D R A O bj ec ti ve 2. To en su re th e sc ie nt if ic an d te ch ni ca la cc ur ac y of A Q U A VE TP LA N 2. 1 Re vi ew an d va lid at e AQ U AV ET PL AN A Q U A VE TP LA N A Q U A VE TP LA N O ng oi ng A A H C N A A H T W G A s ab ov e m an ua ls to en su re th ey ar e m an ua ls re vi ew ed m an ua ls ac cu ra te ac cu ra te /a pp ro pr ia te fo r an d va lid at ed an d ta ke in to ac co un t us e in an em er ge nc y re sp on se la te st sc ie nt if ic fi nd in gs an d go ve rn m en t po lic y A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; D A FF = A us tr al ia n G ov er nm en t D ep ar tm en t of A gr ic ul tu re ,F is he ri es an d Fo re st ry ;E A D R A = Em er ge nc y A ni m al D is ea se R es po ns e A gr ee m en t; N A A H T W G = N at io na lA qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h Te ch ni ca lW or ki ng G ro up ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il; O C VO = O ff ic e of th e A us tr al ia n C hi ef Ve te ri na ry O ff ic er Strategy 4 builds on Program 5 (Awareness) from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003. This strategy aims to enhance education and training in aquatic animal health at all levels of teaching. Better education and training will support the continuing growth, profitability and sustainability of Australia’s aquaculture industries. The objectives of Strategy 4 are given in Box 4. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale for Strategy 4. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 4). STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 29 Strategy 4 – Education and training in the aquatic animal health sector Box 4 Objectives of Strategy 4 Objective 1 To clearly define the current and future needs for aquatic animal health support among Australia’s aquaculture industries (established and emerging). Objective 2 If required, to modify the current education and training structures to ensure Objective 1 needs are satisfied. Objective 3 To develop an accreditation/competency scheme for aquatic animal health service providers. Objective 4 To provide training in the framework and operational aspects of aquatic animal disease emergency management. Table 4 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 The four projects of Program 5 (Awareness), were: • public awareness and communication • education and training • extension services • quality assurance and food safety. Each project was subdivided into a number of components to address identified priorities. The final review found that all projects within Program 5 were either completed or were ongoing activities. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. Rationale for Strategy 4 Strategy 4 will help to support Australian aquaculture industries by meeting different sectors’ needs for health support, and by measuring the education and training of aquatic animal health professionals. Required support and skill sets Australia’s growing aquaculture sector requires matching expert support in health management, both for established and emerging sectors. This includes access to well-trained and competent aquatic animal health professionals. For continued growth of aquaculture industries, this support is needed at three levels — field, laboratory-based and specialist. Each of these levels requires support using a different set of skills. This skill set changes from being wide and generalised (in a laboratory context) to narrow and specific (in a specialist context). The skills required by aquatic animal health professionals also extend to wild fisheries and aquatic conservation issues, specifically fish kills, restocking, translocation, import risk assessment, and disease freedom assessment for trade. One of the objectives of Strategy 4 is to identify the needs for aquatic animal health expertise in Australia’s aquaculture industries. Therefore, it will also identify the scope of the skill set required to meet these needs. Education and training Aquatic animal health service providers have expressed concern about a shortfall of aquatic animal health professionals servicing Australia’s aquaculture industries, and that demands for service exceed individual jurisdiction’s capacity to deliver. Despite this demand, many Australian education systems and institutions do not adequately cover aquatic animal health. As well as including aquatic animal health content in formal education courses, there is also a need for continuing education opportunities. Therefore, jurisdictions will continue to encourage animal health professionals to attend existing courses, provide feedback on the conduct of these courses to training providers, and encourage continued provision and development of relevant courses. An adequate level of awareness and training in health management at the farmers’ and managers’ levels is vital for a successfully growing aquaculture industry. To achieve this awareness, Strategy 4 will identify accreditation mechanisms to measure competency in professionals providing aquatic animal health services to the aquaculture sector. These mechanisms will provide quality assurance and will help ensure that the aquaculture sector has expert and competent aquatic animal health input. Accreditation mechanisms will also demonstrate the competency of Australia’s aquatic animal health personnel. Implementation of Strategy 4 The four objectives of Strategy 4 will address education and training for aquatic animal health personnel. For each objective, there is a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 4 is summarised in Table 4. 30 AQUAPLAN STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 31 Ta bl e 4 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 4 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To cl ea rl y de fi ne th e cu rr en t an d fu tu re ne ed s fo r aq ua ti c an im al he al th su pp or t am on g A us tr al ia ’s aq ua cu lt ur e in du st ri es (e st ab lis he d an d em er gi ng ) 1. 1 Id en ti fi ca ti on of cu rr en t Is su es pa pe r de ve lo pe d Pa pe r en do rs ed / 31 1 2 05 N A A H T W G N A C ,A A H C Fa ilu re to co nv in ce Th e ne ed to re vi ew re so ur ce le ve ls w it hi n th e co ns id er ed by in du st ry an d th is ar ea ha s al re ad y aq ua tic an im al he al th se rv ic e m aj or go ve rn m en t po te nt ia lf un di ng be en no te d. Th e in du st ry ,w it h th ou gh t gi ve n an d in du st ry bo di es th at th er e st ra te gy ha s be en to po ss ib le su cc es si on st ak eh ol de rs is a ne ed to re vi ew en do rs ed by N A A H pl an ni ng ac ti vi ti es aq ua ti c an im al TW G .I f fu rt he r he al th tr ai ni ng an d su pp or t is re qu ir ed ed uc at io n in Au st ra lia to en su re fu nd in g, th en lo bb yi ng fo r su pp or t at a hi gh er le ve lw ill be re qu ire d 1. 2 Id en tif y an d co lla te ex is tin g Tr ai ni ng re gi st er R eg is te r 31 1 2 06 N A C A A H C R eg is te r is no t Se cu re ex te rn al co nt in ui ng ed uc at io n de ve lo pe d av ai la bl e fo r us e de ve lo pe d du e to re so ur ce s fo r op po rt un it ie s in to a la ck of re so ur ce s co ns ul ta nt tr ai ni ng re gi st er or co m m it m en t O bj ec ti ve 2. If re qu ir ed ,t o en co ur ag e m od if ic at io n of th e cu rr en t ed uc at io n an d tr ai ni ng st ru ct ur es to en su re O bj ec ti ve 1 ne ed s ar e sa ti sf ie d D ev el op m en t an d Pr og ra m s de ve lo pe d Pr og ra m s en do rs ed 31 1 2 07 A A H C on a Tr ai ni ng im pl em en ta ti on of st ra te gi es to ad dr es s by ap pr op ri at e ju ri sd ic ti on al in st it ut io ns to ad dr es s th e id en ti fi ed ga ps , id en ti fi ed ga ps st ak eh ol de rs ba si s in cl ud in g th e pr ov is io n of ‘o n th e jo b tr ai ni ng ’a nd sc ho la rs hi p su pp or t 32 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 4 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 4 co nt in ue d… Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 3. To de ve lo p an ac cr ed it at io n/ co m pe te nc y sc he m e fo r aq ua ti c an im al he al th se rv ic e pr ov id er s 3. 1 Id en ti fy th e cu rr en t m ec h Ex is ti ng sc he m es A qu at ic an im al he al th 30 0 6 07 N A A H T W G A A H C M an ag er s of ex is ti ng Pr om ot e be ne fi ts an is m s fo r th e ac cr ed ita tio n re vi ew ed fo r pr of es si on al s jo in sc he m es re lu ct an t to of m em be rs hi p an d co m pe te nc y as se ss m en t ap pr op ri at en es s ex is ti ng sc he m es ha ve aq ua ti c an im al of aq ua ti c an im al of an im al he al th pr of es si on al s, he al th pr of es si on al s he al th pr of es si on al s an d de te rm in e th e su ita bi lit y Pr of es si on al s un w ill in g of th es e sc he m es fo r th e to jo in ne w sc he m es ac cr ed it at io n of aq ua ti c an im al he al th pr of es si on al s 3. 2 D ev el op an d im pl em en t ne w N ew sc he m es A qu at ic an im al he al th 06 0 8 N A A H T W G A A H C Pr om ot e be ne fi ts ac cr ed ita tio n sy st em s w he re de ve lo pe d w he re pr of es si on al s jo in of m em be rs hi p to cu rr en t sc he m es ar e de em ed ap pr op ri at e ne w sc he m es aq ua ti c an im al no t to m ee t th e sp ec if ic he al th pr of es si on al s ne ed s of aq ua ti c an im al he al th pr of es si on al s O bj ec ti ve 4. To pr ov id e tr ai ni ng in th e fr am ew or k an d op er at io na la sp ec ts of aq ua ti c an im al di se as e em er ge nc y m an ag em en t 4. 1 D oc um en ta ti on of Tr ai ni ng ex er ci se s In cr ea se d aw ar en es s O ng oi ng A A H C G ov er nm en ts Fa ilu re to at tr ac t R ec ru it hi gh le ve l th e tr ai ni ng ex er ci se s do cu m en te d of em er ge nc y fu nd in g to su pp or t ‘s po ns or s’ fo r gr an t co nd uc te d by st at e an d m an ag em en t pr oj ec ts pr op os al s, en su re te rr it or y go ve rn m en ts an d fr am ew or ks st ro ng in du st ry th e A us tr al ia n G ov er nm en t, am on gs t ju ri sd ic ti on s su pp or t, id en ti fy in cl ud in g in du st ry an d in du st ri es im pe di m en ts to in vo lv em en t an d tr ai ni ng fu nd in g an d lo bb y to en su re m ea ns 4. 2 C on du ct tr ai ni ng on A qC C EA D tr ai ni ng In du st ry an d O ng oi ng A A H C D A FF A s ab ov e to ov er co m e su ch th e op er at io ns of th e co ur se s de si gn ed go ve rn m en t re pr e im pe di m en ts ar e aq ua ti c C C EA D an d co nd uc te d se nt at iv es aw ar e id en ti fi ed of th e aq C C EA D gu id el in es an d th ei r re sp on si bi lit ie s A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; D A FF = A us tr al ia n G ov er nm en t D ep ar tm en t of A gr ic ul tu re ,F is he ri es an d Fo re st ry ;a qC C EA D = A qu at ic C on su lt at iv e C om m it te e on Em er ge nc y A ni m al D is ea se s; C C EA D = C on su lt at iv e C om m it te e on Em er ge nc y A ni m al D is ea se s; N A A H T W G = N at io na lA qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h Te ch ni ca lW or ki ng G ro up ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il Strategy 5 was developed following a review of industry codes of aquatic animal welfare by the Fish Health Management Committee (FHMC). The strategy, in conjunction with the Aquatic Animal Health Committee (AAHC), aims to develop a position statement on aquatic animal welfare. This statement will enhance aquatic animal health and production and favourably position Australian aquaculture products for domestic and international markets. The objectives of Strategy 5 are given in Box 5. This section explains the rationale for Strategy 5. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 5). STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 33 Strategy 5 – Welfare standards for aquaculture Box 5 Objectives of Strategy 5 Objective 1 To develop a scientifically-based and harmonised approach to aquatic animal welfare policies across Australia. Objective 2 To increase awareness of aquatic animal welfare issues within industry. Objective 3 To assist international standard setting bodies in developing welfare guidelines and standards that are scientifically based. Table 5 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Rationale for Strategy 5 Aquatic animal welfare was not included in AQUAPLAN 1998–2003; however, good welfare practices are essential for successful aquatic animal health and Australian aquaculture industry growth. In March 2002, the director general of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said: Animal welfare issues are coming under increasing public scrutiny, not only for terrestrial but also for aquatic animals. Guidance on animal welfare issues is one of OIE’s responsibilities and also needs to be given attention by national authorities in its Member Countries in order to reduce negative effects of modern fish farming on the welfare of the animals (Vallat 2002). Although animal welfare is not covered by the WTO’s Agreement on the Application on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, OIE member countries requested guidelines and recommendations to help them in bilateral negotiations. As part of the OIE 2001–2005 Strategic Plan, the director general of the OIE convened an ad hoc group on animal welfare, comprising specialists from five continents, to investigate the scientific aspects of animal welfare. A permanent Working Group on Animal Welfare was formed and held its first meeting in October 2002. Guidelines and recommendations developed by the OIE will apply to all its member countries, including Australia. Strategy 5 will assist Australian aquaculture industries to be actively involved in this process. Benefits of good welfare practices The scientific community is divided on the issue of nociception (the perception of pain) in teleosts. However, valid scientific approaches have been used in aquaculture and other food production industries to identify major components of wellbeing in cultured animals. This approach may be effective for assessing current practices and suggesting alterations that benefit the animals and industries involved — the latter in both product quality and market acceptance. Good welfare practices are generally reflected in the quality of the product. For instance, slaughter methods have an impact on the quality of the flesh, and environmental stressors depress growth in a number of aquaculture species. Thus, the commercial value of animal welfare remains a powerful driver in shaping industry practices. Although welfare was not covered in the original AQUAPLAN 1998–2003, in 2000, the FHMC requested that the existing industry codes of practice be reviewed to identify gaps in animal welfare. This review showed that several aquatic animal industries and industry groups have developed codes of practice for their specific industry. Some of these codes have sections on aquatic animal welfare with varying levels of detail. The Australian Seafood Users Manual (Yearsley et al 2000) has the most thorough coverage on welfare. Strategy 5 will use the FHMC review to develop an aquatic animal welfare position statement, in conjunction with AAHC. Developing an aquatic animal welfare position statement In early 2003, AAHC requested that a position statement on aquatic animal welfare be developed. AAHC has also helped to develop the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2004). Because of the wide variation in the practices of harvest fisheries, recreational fisheries, and aquaculture, AAHC will initially focus on the welfare of aquatic animals under aquaculture and live holding systems only. In addition, lower order animals (such as univalve and bivalve molluscs) are unlikely to experience nociception, and it is difficult to measure this 34 AQUAPLAN scientifically. Therefore, AAHC will initially focus on the welfare of finfish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Strategy 5 will apply to finfish, crustaceans and cephalophods in aquaculture systems (including ornamentals and animals reared for restocking programs), and facilities where these animals are held for human consumption (eg the restaurant trade). It does not include non-commercial household aquaria. Australian states and territories have legislation governing the prevention of cruelty to animals; however, they vary in their coverage of fish and invertebrates. Some states and territories also have codes of practice for specific issues, such as codes of practice for pet shops or for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes; however, welfare guidelines that safeguard aquatic animal welfare need to be developed and adopted in a consistent, responsible and nationally coordinated manner. State and territory governments will be expected to revise their policies in line with new relevant scientific and technological developments, as part of their core responsibilities. Stakeholder groups will also be expected to actively engage with research providers to support research of welfare standards, such as appropriate welfare indicators and nociception. Although Strategy 5 is limited to aquaculture industries such as the ornamental aquatic animal industry, restocking programs, and the restaurant trade, it recognises that the Australian recreational fishing industry has a keen interest in aquatic animal welfare. This industry also has an important role to play in protecting aquatic animal welfare and encouraging consultation between the appropriate bodies in these sectors to ensure consistent approaches. A position statement covering animal welfare aspects of recreational fishing was issued in April 1999 by the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) (NCCAW 1999). Consistent and objective welfare policy guidelines across Australia will be a major step for developing welfare standards in aquaculture, and will potentially reduce any impact on industries arising from loss of market access or adverse consumer sentiment. Globally, preliminary activity is already introducing aquatic animal welfare as a market access issue. Australian industries will need to monitor developments in welfare requirements that are adopted by importing countries. In the medium to long term, guidelines and standards for aquatic animal welfare will be developed through OIE. Australia has the option of watching these developments and passively adopting standards, or preferably, influencing the international process. For this to be effective, Australia will need to become a leader in this field. Strategy 5 will help to achieve this by developing an aquatic animal welfare position statement for Australian aquaculture industries. Implementation of Strategy 5 The three objectives of Strategy 5 will review existing aquatic animal welfare policies and develop a national aquatic animal welfare position statement; increase awareness of the benefits of good welfare practices within Australian aquaculture industries; and engage with international bodies to develop scientifically based aquatic animal welfare standards. For each objective, there is a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 5 is summarised in Table 5. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 35 36 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 5 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 5 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To de ve lo p a sc ie nt if ic al ly b as ed an d ha rm on is ed ap pr oa ch to aq ua ti c an im al w el fa re po lic ie s ac ro ss A us tr al ia 1. 1 R ev ie w ex is ti ng w el fa re C om pl et io n of a re vi ew To th e 31 1 2 05 A A H C A ni m al W el fa re A A H C In du st ry no t op en Ed uc at e in du st ry po lic ie s ap pl ie d in aq ua tic of ex is ti ng st an da rd s sa ti sf ac ti on W or ki ng G ro up ab ou t cu rr en t on th e va lu e an d an im al (in cl ud in g aq ua of A A H C st an da rd s be ne fi ts of an im al cu lt ur e, or na m en ta ls an d w el fa re w ild an d re cr ea tio na lf is h in g) in du st rie s in A us tr al ia 1. 2 D ev el op an d ad op t an A A H C D ev el op m en t of an A A H C En do rs em en t by 31 1 2 06 A A H C A ni m al W el fa re A A H C N o co ns en su s St ak eh ol de r po si ti on st at em en t on po si ti on st at em en t on PI SC an d pe ak W or ki ng G ro up in vo lv em en t aq ua ti c an im al w el fa re aq ua ti c an im al w el fa re in du st ry bo di es fr om st ar t an d se ek en do rs em en t by (N A C ) go ve rn m en ts an d pe ak in du st ry bo di es 1. 3 C on ti nu e to pr ov id e ad vi ce Pr ov is io n of ad vi ce on aq ua tic N C C A W O ng oi ng A A H C re pr es en ta ti ve A A H C N o co ns en su s Fr eq ue nt fe ed ba ck on aq ua ti c an im al w el fa re an im al he al th w el fa re is su es ap pr ec ia te s on N C C A W be tw ee n A A H C fr om A A H C is su es th ro ug h th e in cl us io n of th ro ug h th e in cl us io n of an ad vi ce an d N C C A W re pr es en ta ti ve an A A H C m em be r on N CC AW A A H C m em be r on N C C A W po si ti on on N C C A W 1. 4 Pr ov id e ad vi ce on th e Pr ov is io n of ad vi ce on To th e O ng oi ng A A H C re pr es en ta ti ve A A H C N C C A W an d Fr eq ue nt fe ed ba ck de ve lo pm en t an d im pl em en th e de ve lo pm en t an d sa ti sf ac ti on on N C C A W an d A ni m al W el fa re fr om A A H C ta ti on of sp ec if ic pr oj ec ts im pl em en ta ti on of sp ec if ic of A A H C A A H C A ni m al W el fa re Su bc om m itt ee do re pr es en ta ti ve un de r th e A us tr al ia n A ni m al pr oj ec ts un de r th e A us tr al ia n W or ki ng G ro up no t ac ce pt ad vi ce on N C C A W W el fa re St ra te gy A ni m al W el fa re St ra te gy STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 37 Ta bl e 5 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 5 co nt in ue d… Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 2. To in cr ea se aw ar en es s of aq ua ti c an im al w el fa re is su es w it hi n in du st ry 2. 1 Pr om ot e th e up ta ke of U nd er ta ki ng of in du st ry To th e sa tis fa ct io n 31 1 2 06 A A H C A ni m al W el fa re N A C Po or at te nd an ce H ig hl y pr om ot e in du st ry co de s of pr ac ti ce w or ks ho ps to en co ur ag e of at te nd ee s an d on go in g W or ki ng G ro up an d by in du st ry w or ks ho ps th ro ug h th ro ug h im pr ov ed ac ce ss to th e up ta ke of in du st ry m aj or in du st ry se ct or s in du st ry eg N A C re le va nt in fo rm at io n, in cl ud in g co de s of pr ac ti ce an d ho ld w or ks ho ps pr ov is io n of in fo rm at io n w he re in du st ry so ur ce d un de r ob je ct iv e 1. 1 ar e an d/ or co nn ec t to in du st ry ev en ts O bj ec ti ve 3. To as si st in te rn at io na ls ta nd ar d se tt in g bo di es in de ve lo pi ng w el fa re gu id el in es an d st an da rd s th at ar e sc ie nt if ic al ly ba se d 3. 1 Pr oa ct iv el y en ga ge w it h th e Pr oa ct iv e en ga ge m en t In vi te d to O ng oi ng O C VO D A FF La ck of re so ur ce s O bt ai n hi gh le ve l re le va nt st an da rd s et ti ng w it h th e re le va nt st an da rd pa rt ic ip at e in en do rs em en t fo r bo di es to as si st de ve lo pm en t se tt in g bo di es to as si st in te rn at io na l su ch ac ti vi ti es of in te rn at io na lw el fa re de ve lo pm en t of in te rn at io na l fo ru m s st an da rd s th at ar e un de r w el fa re st an da rd s th at ar e pi nn ed by sc ie nc e un de rp in ne d by sc ie nc e A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; D A FF = A us tr al ia n G ov er nm en t D ep ar tm en t of A gr ic ul tu re ,F is he ri es an d Fo re st ry ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il; N C C A W = N at io na lC on su lt at iv e C om m it te e on A ni m al W el fa re ;O C VO = O ff ic e of th e A us tr al ia n C hi ef Ve te ri na ry O ff ic er ;P IS C = Pr im ar y In du st ri es St an di ng C om m it te e Strategy 6 was developed from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003’s Program 5 (Awareness), based on Project 4 (Quality assurance and food safety). It emphasises the need to use therapeutics safely in aquatic animal health and welfare. The objective of Strategy 6 is given in Box 6. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale for Strategy 6. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 6). 38 AQUAPLAN Strategy 6 – Appropriate use of therapeutics for aquatic animal health management Box 6 Objective of Strategy 6 Objective 1 To ensure the availability and safe use of therapeutics for cultured aquatic animals in Australia. Table 6 provides information on how this objective will be implemented. Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 Program 5 (Awareness) comprised four projects, and each was subdivided into a number of components to address identified priorities. When reviewed, all projects within Program 5 were either completed or were ongoing activities. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. Rationale for Strategy 6 The aquaculture industry is a rapidly growing food and product sector. One of its major challenges is to prevent and manage diseases within production systems. Aquatic animal disease management should take into account animal welfare as well as market access requirements. Chemicals used to prevent or manage disease problems must be used in an appropriate manner with particular reference to market requirements, where applicable. To achieve this, Strategy 6 will help to ensure that therapeutics (either registered or used through a permit system) are readily available, and that health management personnel who administer therapeutics are aware of their appropriate use. Therapeutic shortages There is a worldwide shortage of chemicals that are registered for use in aquatic animals. The shortage means that veterinarians often have to prescribe chemicals ‘off-label’ without adequate information on dosage or drug clearance rates in aquatic species. Therefore, dosage and withholding periods have to be decided without sufficient data. This problem may be compounded by a lack of experience with aquatic animal health in many veterinarians. Strategy 6 will help to alleviate these problems by updating lists of therapeutics used in aquaculture and organise training courses for their safe and appropriate use. Alternative disease management methods While Strategy 6 focuses on therapeutics (eg antibiotics), AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 recognises that treatment is only one line of defence against disease. Improved hygiene and management practices, as well as a range of preventative substances (including vaccines, immunostimulants and probiotics), also play a pivotal role in disease prevention. Overseas experience shows that with increasing use of pre ventative tools (such as vaccines), the need for therapeutic tools (such as antibiotics) can drastically decline. Currently, the biggest barrier to the safe and effective use of preventative substances is the lack of underlying research and development. Therefore, these additional issues are addressed in Australia’s aquatic animal health research and development strategies, rather than in AQUAPLAN 2005–2010. Implementation of Strategy 6 The objective of Strategy 6 will encourage safe and effective use of therapeutics, by identifying commonly used chemicals and providing training for their use. This objective has projects with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 6 is summarised in Table 6. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 39 40 AQUAPLAN Ta bl e 6 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 6 Pe rf or m an ce To be pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To en su re th e av ai la bi lit y an d sa fe us e of th er ap eu ti cs fo r cu lt ur ed aq ua ti c an im al s in A us tr al ia 1. 1 U pd at e ex is ti ng lis ts of Id en ti fi ca ti on of pr od uc ts Pr od uc ts re gi st er ed 31 1 2 06 N A C N A C an d Fa ilu re to In du st ry m us t pr od uc ts re qu ir ed fo r us e re qu ir ed by aq ua cu lt ur e un de r M U P sy st em in di vi du al en ga ge dr iv er s co m m it to fu nd in g by aq ua tic an im al in du st rie s in du st ri es ph ar m ac eu ti ca l fo r in di vi du al of th e in it ia ti ve s co m pa ni es pr oj ec ts 1. 2 Th e fo rm at io n of a w or ki ng gr ou p D ev el op m en t of is su es Is su es pa pe r co ns id er ed 30 0 6 06 N A C N A C to lia is e w it h th e A PV M A — th is pa pe r, lia is on w ith A PV M A at st ak eh ol de r w or ks ho p gr ou p w ill be re sp on si bl e fo r th e pr od uc ti on of is su e pa pe rs an d th e id en ti fi ca ti on of fu nd in g so ur ce s 1. 3 Th e re gi st ra ti on of up to Pr od uc ts re gi st er ed R eg is te re d pr od uc ts 30 0 6 10 N A C A PV M A 40 pr od uc ts fo r us e by fo r us e us ed by in du st ry aq ua ti c an im al in du st ri es 1. 4 Th e id en tif ic at io n an d re gi st ra tio n C he m ic al s fo r us e in C he m ic al s re gi st er ed 30 0 6 08 N A C A PV M A of ve te ri na ry ch em ic al s fo r us e cu lt ur ed aq ua ti c sp ec ie s un de r C at eg or y 40 in cu lt ur ed aq ua ti c sp ec ie s in in A us tr al ia id en ti fi ed sy st em Au st ra lia us in g th e Ca te go ry 40 sy st em th ro ug h th e A PV M A 1. 5 En co ur ag e re sp on si bl e bo di es su ch M U Ps ob ta in ed fo r ba si c Ta rg et s fo r re gi st ra ti on s 31 1 2 09 N A C A PV M A as N A C to ob ta in M U Ps fo r a ra ng e ph ar m ac eu ti ca ls to be se t on ce th e ta rg et of ba si c ph ar m ac eu tic al s to be us ed ch em ic al s ha ve be en in ge ne ric gr ou ps of an im al s — id en ti fi ed an d th e pr io ri ti es cr us ta ce an s, co ld w at er fin fis h et c fo r re gi st ra ti on ar e ag re ed — ra th er th an sp ec if ic sp ec ie s w it h in du st ry 1. 6 C on du ct of se ct or sp ec if ic Po si ti ve fe ed ba ck fr om Pa rt ic ip an ts 31 1 2 08 N A C A A H C N o in te re st in En su re aw ar en es s fa rm l ev el tr ai ni ng co ur se s fo r co ur se pa rt ic ip an ts re co m m en d co ur se pa rt ic ip at io n ab ou t th es e th e sa fe an d ap pr op ri at e us e of co ur se s ch em ic al s us ed in aq ua cu lt ur e A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; A PV M A = A us tr al ia n Pe st ic id es an d Ve te ri na ry M ed ic in es A ut ho ri ty ;M U P = m in or us e pe rm it ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il Strategy 7 was developed from Program 5 (Awareness) from AQUAPLAN 1998–2003. The strategy is based on Project 1, and emphasises the need to ensure that aquaculture has a minimal impact on the environment, and is promoted as an ecologically sustainable activity. The objectives of Strategy 7 are given in Box 7. This section explains the achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 and the rationale for Strategy 7. It also includes a table summarising the programs involved in the implementation of the strategy (Table 7). Achievements of AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 Program 5 (Awareness) comprised four projects, and each was subdivided into a number of components to address identified priorities. When reviewed, all projects within Program 5 were either completed or were ongoing activities. The appendix provides an update of the projects’ status. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 41 Strategy 7 – Aquatic animal health management as part of ecologically sustainable development Box 7 Objective of Strategy 7 Objective 1 To ensure that market opportunities are not lost due to the use of sub-optimal health management practices in aquaculture. Objective 2 To raise awareness about disease issues associated with imported live aquatic animals. Table 7 provides information on how these objectives will be implemented. Rationale for Strategy 7 As the Australian aquaculture industry grows and production increases in intensity, so will the pressure that it exerts on the environment. Potential environmental threats of the industry include the increased risk of diseases that do not normally affect aquaculture species, the introduction of new diseases through live fish releases (particularly from hatcheries), and the buildup of antibiotic residues and development of antibiotic resistance. These threats are discussed below, along with methods for reducing them and future developments of the aquaculture industry. Expression of new diseases Aquaculture has the potential to affect the ecosystem by creating artificial environmental conditions that allow the clinical expression of diseases by pathogens that do not normally cause disease in the wild. For example, inadequate treatment of pond effluent water can lead to an increased risk of disease. Imported disease risk Further disease threats to the ecosystem can arise from importing and releasing live fish, such as ornamental species, into the waterways. Pathogens and diseases that are transferred by hatchery fish may reduce survival and introduce new diseases to regions and farms. Native fish hatcheries have been implicated in the translocation of non-endemic fish, such as the banded grunter, which is now found as far south as the Clarence River in New South Wales. Continuing poor practices may have serious long-term biological consequences for populations and species, and hinder the development of sustainable and economically viable aquaculture industries. To address these concerns, hatchery quality assurance programs are being developed for use by government and commercial hatcheries. The Aquatic Animal Health Committee (AAHC) will monitor the developments of these programs. Strategy 7 will increase awareness of, and help reduce, the disease risks associated with live fish releases. Use of antibiotics Using antibiotics in aquatic animals may cause residue buildup in edible tissues that subsequently affects market access. Antibiotic use may also lead to antimicrobial resistance. Export markets are already using disease and chemical residues as trade barriers to importing aquatic animals and aquatic animal products. In the future, the ecological impact of the industry may become a trade issue. Future developments Intensive aquaculture is a relatively new industry within Australia, and production systems are being continuously improved. As adverse management practices and their potential impact on the environment are identified, industries have modified their systems to address the issue and eliminated or reduced the impact on the environment surrounding production facilities. Examples of these modifications include: • improving aquaculture facility siting • improving treatment of pond effluent water • changing feeding regimes • fallowing sites to minimise or eliminate the buildup of nutrients at farms. It is expected that stakeholders will continue to promote research on improvement to management practices to minimise their environmental impact, and promote opportunities to showcase ecologically sustainable developments in aquaculture. Strategy 7 specifically excludes the environmental impact of pollution on fisheries and aquaculture because these issues are addressed by programs administered by, for example, the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH), the Murray–Darling Basin Commission (MDBC), and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Implementation of Strategy 7 The two objectives of Strategy 7 will examine optimal health management practices and how they affect market opportunities, as well as raise awareness of disease risks associated with imported live aquatic animals. Both objectives have a project with performance indicators, due dates, responsibilities, threats and contingency plans. The implementation of Strategy 7 is summarised in Table 7. 42 AQUAPLAN STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 43 Ta bl e 7 – Im pl em en ta ti on of St ra te gy 7 To be Pe rf or m an ce pr og re ss ed Pr oj ec t in di ca to r St an da rd D ue da te th ro ug h Re sp on si bi lit y Th re at Co nt in ge nc y O bj ec ti ve 1. To en su re th at m ar ke t op po rt un it ie s ar e no t lo st du e to th e us e of su b op ti m al he al th m an ag em en t pr ac ti ce s in aq ua cu lt ur e 1. 1 En co ur ag e re se ar ch in ba si c R es ea rc h pr oj ec ts R es ea rc h to pi cs co nt ri bu te O ng oi ng N A A H T W G N A C ,A A H C R es ea rc h bo di es En ga ge re se ar ch im m un ol og y an d m od ul at io n un de rt ak en in th e to im pr ov ed m an ag em en t do no t re co gn is e bo di es at hi gh er of im m un e fu nc ti on to un de rp in id en ti fi ed ar ea s of aq ua ti c an im al he al th th e im po rt an ce of le ve lt o fo st er th e pr op os ed fa rm m an ag em en t id en ti fi ed re se ar ch su pp or t fo r pr ac ti ce s, in cl ud in g cu rr en t pr io ri ti es aq ua ti c an im al th er ap eu ti cs ,f ut ur e va cc in es an d he al th re se ar ch fa rm m an ag em en t st ra te gi es O bj ec ti ve 2. To ra is e aw ar en es s ab ou t di se as e is su es as so ci at ed w it h im po rt ed liv e aq ua ti c an im al s 2. 1 Pr od uc e an d di ss em in at e In fo rm at io n pa ck ag e In fo rm at io n pa ck ag e 31 1 2 20 09 PI JA C ,A VA O C VO Fa ilu re to en ga ge Ed uc at io n in fo rm at io n pa ck ag es on di se as e pr od uc ed an d di st ri bu te d to al l PI JA C or A VA ca m pa ig n to ri sk s as so ci at ed w it h im po rt ed di st ri bu te d pr ac ti ci ng ve te ri na ri an s, al l de m on st ra te liv e aq ua ti c an im al s to pe t sh op s, aq ua ri um fi sh so ci et ie s an d re le va nc e of pr ac ti si ng ve te ri na ri an s, re le va nt al lr eg is te re d pe t sh op s pr oj ec t to PI JA C in du st ry or ga ni sa ti on s, an d an d A VA aq ua ri um ow ne rs A A H C = A qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h C om m it te e; A VA = A us tr al ia n Ve te ri na ry A ss oc ia ti on ;N A A H T W G = N at io na lA qu at ic A ni m al H ea lt h Te ch ni ca lW or ki ng G ro up ;N A C = N at io na lA qu ac ul tu re C ou nc il; O C VO = O ff ic e of th e A us tr al ia n C hi ef Ve te ri na ry O ff ic er ;P IJ A C = Pe t In du st ry Jo in t A dv is or y C ou nc il 44 AQUAPLAN Appendix – AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Program 1: International linkages Project 1.1 Regional cooperation on technical standards Development of regional technical Completed guidelines for aquatic animal Review envisaged through NACA’s Asia quarantine and health certification Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health Agreement on important diseases for Completed the Asia-Pacific region (for a list or Annual review through NACA’s Asia reportable diseases under NACA/OIE) Regional Advisory Group on and OIE endorsement Aquatic Animal Health Development of a data collection Completed strategy for information on aquatic DAFF core activity animal pathogens (in Australia) and commencement of entering such data into the FAO/NACA database ‘AAPQIS’ (Aquatic Animal Pathogen and Quarantine Information System) Status of projects and roll-over into AQUAPLAN 2005–2010 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 45 Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Assessment of benefits from NACA Completed membership from an aquatic animal health Australia continues to be a NACA member point of view in order to contribute to the general benefits from NACA membership Project 1.2 OIE disease categorisation Establishment of a working group Completed to further discussions with OIE on New disease listing criteria adopted designing a model to categorise by OIE in 2003 aquatic animal diseases Re-assess the current aquatic animal Ongoing disease lists of OIE, and communicate DAFF core activity findings to OIE Project 1.3 International disease reporting Fulfilling international obligations to OIE Ongoing on notifiable diseases of aquatic animals DAFF core activity Fulfilling international obligations to OIE Ongoing on providing annual reports on our DAFF core activity aquatic animal health status Initiation of regional aquatic animal Completed (and ongoing) disease reporting to OIE/NACA on DAFF core activity diseases identified as ‘reportable’ on a regionally agreed-upon list of aquatic animal diseases Availability of Australia’s quarterly reports Completed to OIE/NACA on the AFFA website under Links are maintained on DAFF website Aquatic Animal Health (DAFF core activity) Consideration to transfer OIE/NACA Completed combined quarterly reports from Links are maintained on DAFF website 20 countries to AFFA website under (DAFF core activity) aquatic animal health for availability within Australia Effective influence on OIE deliberations Ongoing DAFF core activity Program 2: Quarantine See under AQUAPLAN – Australian Government responsibility on quarantine A Five Year Review for details (or biosecurity) issues relating to aquatic animals lies with AQIS and Biosecurity Australia, both within DAFF. Their duties are broadly categorised into import and export-related work. Biosecurity Australia under takes policy reviews (including the coordination of import risk analyses) and makes recommendations on import policy to AQIS. AQIS is responsible for the implementation of biosecurity policies under the Quarantine Act. 46 AQUAPLAN Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Program 3: Surveillance, monitoring and reporting Project 3.1 Surveillance and monitoring for aquatic animal diseases Assessment of the current status of Completed Strategy 1: Surveillance surveillance and monitoring in Australia Update required Development and review of surveillance Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance and monitoring strategies for specific aquatic animal diseases in Australia Development of a system for surveillance Completed, but system (AAAHIS) rejected Strategy 1: Surveillance and monitoring data administration Some aspects are DAFF core activities Development of standardised diagnostic Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance and sampling techniques, and standard DAFF core activity Strategy 2: operating procedures Harmonisation Development of a ‘surveillance and Completed Strategy 1: Surveillance monitoring template’ outlining principles of surveillance and monitoring programs, and including case studies as examples Involvement of recreational and capture Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance fisheries in surveillance Advice on the most appropriate diagnostic Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance techniques for aquatic animal diseases and disease agents Addressing the worsening shortage of Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance diagnostic capacity Australia-wide Strategy 4: Education and training Project 3.2 Reporting arrangements Agreement on the national list of Completed Strategy 1: Surveillance reportable diseases of aquatic animals, Annual review of the list through and development of a review process NAAH-TWG, endorsement of for alterations to the list changes through AAHC and PISC Development of a generic strategy for Completed national aquatic animal disease reporting DAFF core activity and data administration system Adherence to international reporting Ongoing objectives DAFF core activity Implementation of emergency disease Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance reporting strategy as required DAFF core activity for international Strategy 2: reporting, state and territory government Harmonisation core activity for national reporting STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 47 Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Project 3.3 Zoning for aquatic animal diseases Development of a policy paper on zoning, Completed Strategy 1: Surveillance explaining the generic principles of zoning Review required Strategy 2: based on pathogen distribution, the Harmonisation movement principles between zones, and international relevance of national zoning Turning guidelines into action to manage Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance fish health preparedness and disease State and territory core activity response and to retain market access Coordination of consistent Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance implementation of zoning guidelines Strategy 2: across states and territories Harmonisation Program 4: Preparedness and response Project 4.1 Consultative committee on emergency animal diseases (CCEAD) Formal inclusion of aquatic animal Completed disease emergency management into the CCEAD operating guidelines Ensuring state and territory Ongoing Strategy 4: Education arrangements comply with, and State and territory core activity and training operate within, the CCEAD structure Simulation exercise especially to test Ongoing Strategy 4: Education the communication flow and training Project 4.2 AQUAVETPLAN AQUAVETPLAN summary document Pending Operational procedures manual Ongoing Valuation and compensation Pending Enterprise manuals Completed Review required Disease strategy manuals for crustaceans, Ongoing molluscs and fish Management manuals Completed Agency support plans Pending Review and development Ongoing Strategy 4: Education of training resources and training Diagnostic resources Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance Prioritisation and coordination of manuals Ongoing 48 AQUAPLAN Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Program 5: Awareness Project 5.1 Public awareness and communication A field identification guide Completed Strategy 4: Education for aquatic diseases Second edition available on CD-ROM and training Summary document providing Completed Strategy 4: Education information on AQUAVETPLAN emergency and training preparedness and response arrangements Posters, pamphlets and videos for Ongoing Strategy 4: Education industry, veterinarians and the public and training Strategy 7: Ecologically sustainable development Training for aquaculturists in aquatic Ongoing Strategy 4: Education animal health management and and training improving farm practices to promote disease prevention Publication of regular columns Ongoing Strategy 7: Ecologically in industry or trade journals sustainable development A disease hotline for use by industry Completed and the general public Proposal rejected but to be reconsidered Professional communication Ongoing Strategy 4: Education of AQUAPLAN and training Strategy 7: Ecologically sustainable development Project 5.2 Education and training Inclusion of aquatic animal health in Ongoing Strategy 4: Education veterinary curricula and other tertiary and training education Supporting self-education Ongoing Strategy 4: Education and training Postgraduate training of veterinarians, Ongoing Strategy 4: Education aquatic animal health specialists and and training industry groups in the recognition of disease syndromes Training for aquaculturists in aquatic Ongoing Strategy 4: Education animal health management and and training improving farm practices to promote disease prevention Succession planning, and sharing Ongoing Strategy 4: Education training materials and training STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 49 Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Project 5.3 Extension services Support linkages of governmental Ongoing services with Fisheries Departments’ DAFF core activity liaison sections with industry Project 5.4 Quality assurance and food safety Registration and minor use permit Ongoing Strategy 6: The use approval for the use of drugs and of therapeutics chemicals aquaculture Encourage the development of programs Ongoing Strategy 6: The use to promote the safe, effective and of therapeutics minimal use of drugs and chemicals Strategy 7: Ecologically sustainable development Program 6: Research and development Project 6.1 Strategic plan for focused and prioritised research Inventory of aquatic animal health Completed research in Australia Prioritisation of research needs by Ongoing private sectors and governments FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram core activity Development of a strategic research plan Completed Project 6.2 Specific research needs Prioritisation of research into Ongoing import replacements FRDC Aquatic Animal Health subprogram core activity Aquatic disease management Ongoing Strategy 7: Ecologically (to prevent disease) FRDC Aquatic Animal sustainable development Health subprogram core activity Development of new diagnostic tests Ongoing Strategy 1: Surveillance FRDC Aquatic Animal Health subprogram core activity Project health research and Ongoing development for infant industries FRDC Aquatic Animal and new aquaculture species Health subprogram core activity Program 7: Legislation, policies and jurisdiction Project 7.1 Legislation, policies and jurisdiction Identify and work towards necessary Ongoing Strategy 2: legislative and jurisdictional outcomes Harmonisation 50 AQUAPLAN Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Encourage the states and territories to Ongoing Strategy 2: critically assess their existing systems Harmonisation regarding gaps, legal challenges, and extent of enforcement Encourage states and territories to adopt Ongoing Strategy 2: the generic principles and adjust their Harmonisation systems accordingly, to ensure agreed upon outcomes Legislation for normal activity Ongoing Strategy 2: (surveillance) as opposed to Harmonisation disease outbreaks Provide SCARM/SCFA with Completed recommendations to improve reporting and management of aquatic animal disease outbreaks Project 7.2 Translocation Agree on a national approach to Completed Strategy 2: translocation of aquatic animals Review required Harmonisation through SCFA and its subcommittees Aquaculture Committee and Environment and Health Committee Agree on a national approach to policy Ongoing Strategy 2: for the post quarantine management Harmonisation of imported fish and aquatic products Strategy 7: Ecologically sustainable development Implement the necessary changes to Ongoing Strategy 2: legislative arrangements, policies and Harmonisation regulations at the state and territory government level Translocation of bait and other Ongoing Strategy 2: non-viable fish product Harmonisation Program 8: Resources and funding Project 8.1 Ongoing funding arrangements for AQUAPLAN Examine the AAHC funding structures Completed for the terrestrial animal industries as a potential model to be applied to the aquatic animal industries Project 8.2 Funding to underpin aquatic animal disease emergency preparedness and response arrangements (AQUAVETPLAN) Funding to underpin aquatic animal Ongoing Strategy 3: Emergency disease emergency preparedness and DAFF core activity disease preparedness response arrangements (AQUAVETPLAN) and response framework STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2005–2010 51 Coverage in AQUAPLAN AQUAPLAN 1998–2003 projects Status at November 2004 2005–2010 strategy Project 8.3 Continuing funding to support disease monitoring and surveillance and reporting activities Continuing funding to support Ongoing Strategy 3: Emergency disease monitoring and surveillance disease preparedness and reporting activities and response framework Project 8.4 Continuing funding to support development of awareness and promotion of aquatic animal diseases Encouraging the development of Ongoing Strategy 4: Education undergraduate and postgraduate and training veterinary and aquatic animal health training Codes of practice in aquatic Ongoing Strategy 7: Ecologically animal health management sustainable development Increased general public awareness Ongoing Strategy 4: Education of aquatic animal health issues, and training especially through the aquarium Strategy 7: Ecologically and recreational fishing industries sustainable development Project 8.5 Evaluate the potential for insurance companies and underwriters to provide compensation coverage Presentation of information by an Completed Strategy 3: Emergency aquaculture industry insurance expert disease preparedness and response framework Separately address the issues of Completed Strategy 3: Emergency compensation versus major loss disease preparedness due to disease and response framework Project 8.6 Examine all aspects of resource and funding, including insurance and levies; joint industry/government bodies; industries needs for, or costings of, discrete programs High level consultancy (out of AFFA Completed Strategy 3: Emergency Federal Budget Initiative Funds) to disease preparedness examine all aspects of resource and and response framework funding, including insurance and levies; joint industry/government bodies; industries needs for/costings of discrete programs Project 8.7 FHMC working group to review FHMC FHMC working group to review Completed FHMC and make recommendations FHMC superseded by AAHC in 2002 regarding a more effective implementation of AQUAPLAN AAAHIS = Australian Aquatic Animal Health Information System; AAPQIS = Aquatic Animal Pathogen and Quarantine Information System; AFFA = Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia; AQIS = Australian Quarantine and inspection Service; DAFF = Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; CCEAD = Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases; FAO = Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; FHMC = Fish Health Management Committee; FRDC = Fisheries Research and Development Corporation; NAAH = National Aquatic Animal Health; NACA = Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific; OIE = World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties); PISC= Primary Industries Standing Committee; SCARM = Standing Committee on Agricultural and Resource Management; SCFA = Standing Committee on Food and Animal Health; TWG = Technical Working Group Relevant reports and references ABARE (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics) (2004). Australian Fisheries Statistics 2003, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Canberra. ACIL Consulting (1999). Aquaculture Beyond 2000 Workshop: Facilitator’s Report, Report prepared for Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) (2004). Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, http://www.daff.gov.au/naws (Accessed 9 May 2005). Commonwealth of Australia (1999). AQUAPLAN – Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 1998–2003, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Commonwealth of Australia (2001). AQUAPLAN Zoning Policy Guidelines, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Commonwealth of Australia (2002). AQUAPLAN – A Five Year Review, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Dadswell M (2001). Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda – Discussion Paper, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. EADRA (Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement) (2001). Government and Livestock Industry Cost Sharing Deed, in respect of emergency animal disease responses, Philip Fox Lawyers, Canberra. East IJ (2004). Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Development of Strategies for Improved Stock Loss Insurance and for Development of a Cost Sharing Arrangement for Emergency Disease Management in Aquaculture, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation report 2003/600, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. EconSearch (2002). AQUAPLAN Resources and Funding Consultancy, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation report 2000/601, EconSearch Pty Ltd, Hyde Park. Higgins RA (1996). Report of the National Task Force on Imported Fish and Fish Products, Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Canberra. Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture (1999). National Policy for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Nairn ME, Allen PG, Inglis AR and Tanner C (1996). Australian Quarantine: A Shared Responsibility, Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Energy, Canberra. NCCAW (National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare) (1999). Position Statement 23 (PSN23): Animal welfare aspects of recreational fishing, National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare, http://www.daff.gov.au/content/output.cfm?Objec tID=D2C48F86-BA1A-11A1-A2200060B0A00801 (Accessed 16 May 2005). Vallat B (2002). Editorials from the Director General: The role of the OIE in aquatic animal diseases, World Organisation for Animal Health, http://www.oie.int/eng/Edito/en edito mars02.htm (Accessed 9 May 2005). World Organisation for Animal Health (2003). Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals, 4th edition, World Organisation for Animal Health, Paris, http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fmanual/A summry .htm (Accessed 9 May 2005). Yearsley GK, Onley AC and Brown FK (2000). Australian Seafood Users Manual, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Queensland. 52 AQUAPLAN July 2005 2005-2010 Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health