Surveillance and zoning for aquatic animal diseases.
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The primary purpose of aquatic animal disease surveillance is to provide cost-effective information for assessing and managing risks associated with trade (intra- and international) in aquatic animals and products, animal production efficiency and public health. This statement of purpose is consistent with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Code and international perceptions of what disease surveillance is meant to achieve in both terrestrial and aquat ic production systems. This document provides technical information and recommendations to the Competent Authorities of countries wishing to implement zonation to demonstrate that they have a “reliable system of disease control and surveillance” in place. However, the design and implementation of such systems under a wide range of aquatic situations has highlighted both technical and economic challenges for realistic and scientifically justifiable surveillance programmes. This is par ticularly complex for open-water marine environment zonation, but also poses problems for multijurisdictional freshwater and estuarine hydrographic areas. While recommending the establishment of zones for aquatic animal disease management, FAO and OIE recognize that most countries face significant challenges in the practical implementation of zonation. In addition to scientific capability, political will and economic support are required, and scientifically sound surveillance programme s are often costly investments. The economic benefits of such programmes have to be weighed against each country’s aquaculture activities – especially live animal movements – where like-to-like transfers form the basis of most disease risk assessments.