Publication Abstract

The role of risk analysis and epidemiology in the development of biosecurity for aquaculture

The role of risk analysis and epidemiology in the development of biosecurity for aquaculture

E.J. Peeler

Biosecurity is a management strategy to minimise the risk of disease introduction, and is critical to development of a successful aquaculture industry. In this paper, it is argued that the combination of epidemiological research and risk analysis methodology is required to develop appropriate biosecurity programmes. Risk analysis ensures that a logical, transparent approach is adopted to identify and prioritise disease hazards and pathways of introduction and exposure. In aquaculture, it has been mainly used to assess risks of disease introduction at a country or regional level, and has been little used at the farm level. Risk analysis is only as good as the data it uses, and primarily, epidemiological data is required. Epidemiological investigations that underpin risk analysis fall into two main categories: disease outbreak investigations and structured observational studies. The outbreak investigation and risk factor studies for infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) are used to illustrate how risk analysis and epidemiological investigations can be combined to develop improved biosecurity. It is argued that the development of biosecurity programmes for other diseases could benefit from similar epidemiological studies. Finally, it is shown that risk analysis can identify critical gaps in the data needed for the development of biosecurity, and, therefore, direct future epidemiological investigations.

Reference:

E.J. Peeler* (2005) The role of risk analysis and epidemiology in the development of biosecurity for aquaculture. pp35-45 In: Walker, P., Lester, R and Bondad-Reantaso, M.G. (eds). Diseases of Asian aquaculture V. Fish Health Section, Asian Fisheries Society, Manila

E.J. Peeler*

pp35-45 In: Walker, P., Lester, R and Bondad-Reantaso, M.G. (eds). Diseases of Asian aquaculture V. Fish Health Section, Asian Fisheries Society, Manila