Approaches to managing aquatic animal health in Australia

Despite a rapid and continuous expansion in aquaculture industries, Australia has not experienced significant disease emergencies in farmed aquatic animal populations. However, recent events in relation to wild, farmed, native and introduced aquatic animals have provided warning signals. The development of a national response mechanism for fisheries and aquaculture emergencies became a high priority following the pilchard mortality outbreak in 1995. In terms of more general policy, a special Task Force has provided a framework for managing exotic pests, weeds and diseases and identifying key principles and issues. This Task Force also recommended closer consultation between relevant industry organisations and government agencies. The authors describe the framework of the comprehensive five-year national strategic plan for aquatic animal health ('AQUAPLAN') developed by Australia, and the aquatic animal disease veterinary emergency plan developed within this framework ('AQUAVETPLAN').