Farm Biosecurity - Prevention is Better than Cure  

Disease causing pathogens pose a formidable threat to intensive aquaculture practices and can potentially cause significant economic losses and jeopardize the expansion of the industry. Biosecurity is a set of practices used to minimize the introduction, establishment, and spread of these pathogens. Since aquaculture works around pathogens and disease prevention is better than cure, it is a sensible approach to adopt biosecurity practices. Again, the practices differ according to the stakeholders. At the fish farm site, practices that reduce the risk of a disease outbreak is required.  Farm biosecurity risks include introduction of infected fish, using surface water, vectors, fomites (nets, vehicles, equipment, boots, waders, buckets, pumps) etc. Biosecurity could be applied to individual ponds, farms or to the whole industry. Implementation of biosecurity practices are more effective and easy in small production systems than in outdoor and large-scale operations. It would be beneficial to adopt the biosecurity practices from other successful animal industries. A farm specific biosecurity plan could be prepared which identifies disease concerns, risky areas and implements the best practices. An effective biosecurity plan comprises of disease surveillance, biosecurity awareness, quarantine of incoming fish, appropriate farming practices, vaccination, traffic control, vector control and disinfection methods (Figure 1). Since the occurrence of a regulated disease can have a severe adverse effect on the farm and to the industry, it is almost impossible to ignore the economic benefits of a biosecurity program.