ERADICATING WHITE SPOT SYNDROME VIRUS, THE SPF AND SPT APPROACH

After the severe epidemic caused by White Spot Syndrome virus (WSSV) affecting the shrimp industry in Saudi Arabia (KSA), aquaculture producers organized themselves as the Saudi Aquaculture Society (SAS) and a close collaboration was established with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Environment (ADMEWA), which led to a successful Public Private Partnership (PPP) that resulted in the eradication of WSSV and other endemic shrimp pathogens (Taura Syndrome virus (TSV), Infectious Hypodermal and Haematopoietic Necrosis virus (IHHNV) and Baculovirus penaei (BP)).  Similar strategy was developed to control diseases in fish aquaculture.

Several key biosecurity measures at national level were implemented: 1. The need for pre-approval of supplier for any importation of live aquatic animals, 2. Use of quarantine for health status verification, 3. Set up of a National Reference Diagnostic Laboratory, 4. Implementation of a surveillance program targeting endemic and emerging pathogens, 5. Compulsory reporting of listed pathogen detection and 6. Emergency response to any disease outbreak.

This PPP approach represented the commitment and shared responsibility of Biosecurity in KSA. The success has been recognized by international agencies such as the Food and Drug Organization (FAO) who invited ADMEWA and SAS representatives to present their case as a successful Biosecurity approach at the Seventh Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) (Brazil 2016).

The private sector complies with ADMEWA policies and regulation and adds its own layer of biosecurity with 1. The switch to Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Penaeus vannamei tolerant to WSSV(SPT), 2. Its own internationally accredited diagnostic laboratory, 3. Exclusion of pathogen with different levels of water treatment and filtration, 4. Surveillance and Animal Health Program, 5. All in all out culture system, 6. Zoning of the production areas with progressively limited access, 7. Emergency response and Contingency plan and 8. Development of SPF for other aquatic species.

KSA has been the only country worldwide to eradicate WSSV and remains free from all known shrimp pathogens and all World Animal Health Organization (OIE) fish listed pathogens remaining alert of emerging pathogens worldwide and protecting its health status by banning the importation of aquatic products from countries with lower health status following the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS Agreement) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).