Structural arrangements in Australia for managing aquatic animal disease emergencies

A major pilchard mortality event in Australia in 1995 highlighted the need for a transborder approach to aquatic animal health, particularly with respect to disease response. Cooperation between industry and government led to the development of AQUAPLAN--Australia's National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health. Under AQUAPLAN, the coordination of the national technical response to aquatic animal health emergencies was incorporated into the scope of Australia's Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Disease, a committee chaired by the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer. The operations of this committee are underpinned by AQUAVETPLAN, a series of manuals that outline Australia's approach to national disease preparedness and propose the technical response and control strategies to be activated in a national aquatic animal disease emergency. Simulation exercises provide training to respond to aquatic emergency animal disease events. Some of the lessons learned and challenges ahead are discussed below.