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An expert-based risk ranking framework for assessing potential pathogens in the live baitfish trade
Margaret C McEachran1,2, Fernando Sampedro3, Dominic A Travis2,4
1Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
|December 9, 2020
Summary
Live baitfish pose a high risk for spreading aquatic diseases. A new tool identified the generalist macroparasite Schizocotyle acheilognathi as the top threat to wild fish populations in Minnesota.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Invasive Species Management
- Disease Ecology
Background:
- Global trade in live animals increases the risk of invasive organisms and pathogens.
- Recreational angler release of live baitfish is a major pathway for aquatic disease spread in the U.S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a risk-based tool for identifying and ranking pathogens posing the highest threat via the baitfish pathway.
- To inform management decisions for preventing and controlling aquatic disease invasions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a screening protocol and semi-quantitative stochastic risk ranking framework.
- Combined published data with expert elicitation (n=25) for pathogen risk assessment.
- Applied the framework to the baitfish supply in Minnesota, USA.
Main Results:
- Identified high-priority pathogens for the Minnesota bait supply.
- Schizocotyle acheilognathi ranked as the highest overall threat, followed by Ovipleistophora ovariae and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus.
- Highlighted several high-risk, unregulated pathogens.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework provides risk-based decision support for managers of recreational fishing and natural resources.
- Focusing risk management on pathogens of concern across all potential host species can reduce disease introduction.
- The ranking process offers a scalable conceptual framework for inter-jurisdictional risk management of the baitfish pathway.
