Aquatic animal health

Aquatic animal disease can be a limiting factor for both fisheries and aquaculture production.

The most effective disease management options are:

1. Prevention and preparedness: minimise the risk of entry of exotic diseases.
2. Response and recovery. New diseases introduced are responded to quickly before they can establish.

Aquatic animal health program

The aim of the aquatic animal health program is to safeguard from the impact of aquatic diseases our:

• fisheries
• aquaculture
• natural resources.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) key aquatic animal health management responsibilities include:

• Developing aquatic animal health legislation, policies and guidelines.
• Planning and responding to disease emergencies.
• Managing the use of veterinary medicines in aquaculture.
• Biosecurity disease surveillance.
• Meeting South Australia’s national and international disease reporting requirements.
• Managing disease risks associated with aquatic animal movement.
• Representing PIRSA at national committees and other national forums.
• Conducting and guiding the direction of scientific research on aquatic animal health.
• Education of aquatic animal health risks.