Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
National aquatic animal health plans: the Australian experience.
- Journal:
- Revue scientifique et technique (International Office of Epizootics)
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Bernoth, E M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture · Australia
Plain-English summary
In 1995, Australia faced a serious problem when many pilchard fish died, which highlighted the need for a national plan to manage the health of aquatic animals. This led to the creation of AQUAPLAN, a strategy that brings together government and industry to respond to diseases affecting aquatic animals. As part of this plan, Australia has been developing more manuals that guide how to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks in aquatic species. They also provide training through simulation exercises to ensure everyone is ready for emergencies. While there are still challenges to address, the main focus now is to establish a clear agreement between government and private sectors on how to handle aquatic disease emergencies.
Abstract
Following a major pilchard (Sardinops sagax) mortality event in 1995, Australia recognised the need for a national approach to aquatic animal health, particularly with respectto disease response. Cooperation between industry and government led to the development of AQUAPLAN, Australia's National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health. Under AQUAPLAN, institutional arrangements for the national technical response to aquatic animal health emergencies were developed based on existing arrangements for terrestrial animal health. The number and range of Australian Aquatic Veterinary Emergency Plan (AQUAVETPLAN) manuals are rising steadily; these are manuals that outline Australia's approach to national disease preparedness and propose the technical response and control strategies to be activated. Additional resources include standard diagnostic techniques and a disease field identification guide. Simulation exercises provide training to respond to aquatic emergency animal disease events. While resource issues and addressing governance remain priorities for the further implementation of AQUAPLAN, the highest priority is the development of a formal arrangement between governments and private sectors on the response to an aquatic emergency animal disease event.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18666480/