Raceway systems such as this one constructed of concrete are often used to rear trout. Disease can be spread from fish that are "upstream" in the system to the "downstream" fish. (photo by Jeff Hinshaw) Potentially Insurable Fish Diseases Visceral toxicosis of catfish (VTC) is a disease of unknown origin that affects channel catfish production. It causes acute losses; therefore, an insurance adjuster can go to the farm and quantify the loss in one visit. Although the disease is of unknown origin, a fish diagnostician can clearly determine this cause of loss. Finally, there are no practices that can specifically prevent or mitigate losses from VTC. All of the above factors make this disease "potentially insurable." Exotic diseases can also cause substantial losses to production. Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is a disease of great concern to the salmon industry. Since the initial outbreaks of this disease in U.S. waters, extraordinary efforts to reduce the risk of loss from the disease have taken place, including management practices described in the producer-driven Finfish Bay Management Agreement (Maine Aquaculture Association 2002). This agreement presents several management strategies that reduce the risk of ISA outbreaks in Maine, but losses still occur. To date the disease has not been discovered in the Pacific Northwest where salmon production also occurs in the U.S. (Blair et al. 2004). Another disease that is of great concern is spring viremia of carp (SVC), which could affect the baitfish industry inasmuch as several of the most common baitfish species are susceptible to contracting this disease. This is an exotic disease actively managed by state and federal agencies in cooperation with producers. To date, outbreaks of SVC ultimately result in destruction of all fish at the facility (USDA 2004). ISA and SVC satisfy the primary criteria for insurability. Each time acute losses occur, the number of fish lost from the disease is determinable. There are no treatments for infected fish, except destruction. USDA/APHIS may indemnify producers for a percentage of their losses from ISA and SVC based on the cost of production or estimated market value. A separate insurance policy for these diseases potentially could provide "wrap-around" protection to compensate the producer for losses not covered by the government indemnification program. The final example of a potentially insurable disease is the virulent strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) that is exotic to the U.S. but could cause serious losses to trout producers. This disease has had a major affect on European trout operations (Bruno et al. 1996). Outbreaks of this disease are-clearly attributed to VHS and result in acute losses. In addition, management cannot completely mitigate or prevent an outbreak from the disease, even if producers purchase certified disease-free eggs or fry. Non-Insurable Fish Diseases Fish diseases that do not meet one or more of the primary insurability criterion are automatically disqualified from further consideration. If non-insurable perils are included in a policy it not only presents opportunities for payouts on preventable losses, but may also open doors for moral hazards. This may result in a payout to a small subset of insured individuals but can hurt the overall pool of insured individuals by increasing premiums for all as a result of poor actuarial performance (Coble et al. 2003). A good insurance policy protects policy holders from moral hazard conditions by only insuring perils that meet primary insurability criteria, have sufficient loss threshold amounts that must be met farm-wide before payouts begin and have appropriate premium rates and deductible amounts. The disease known as spring die off of golden shiners ( Continued on page 69) Finding your place in the Aquaculture Industryjust became easier. Finding a job in the aquaculture and marine science sector is now fast, easy and just a click away. Whether you're a manager, research director or farm technician, you will find the most up-to-date advertisements available in our industry today. Aquaculture Employers Here is a new and easy way to fill your staffing needs. Post online and pay online. The new aquaculturejobs.com is a fully automated e-commerce database -driven solution. info@aquaculturejobs.com www.aquaculturejobs.com 32 MARCH 2007
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