Aquaculture Quality and Health Management
The mandate of the strategic framework for aquatic animal health and welfare in South Africa (developed by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries - DAFF) states that aquaculture quality and health management programmes (AQHMPs) are to be established for the freshwater and marine aquaculture divisions in our country. A draft AQHMP framework has been established by Dr. Leonard Flemming from the WDL, with the main focus on freshwater trout aquaculture in the Western Cape.The purpose of this AQHMP is to establish a basic framework for biosecurity and health services aimed specifically at freshwater trout aquaculture facilities. The current AQHMP will be customized to suit the requirements of trout farms in a South African context and it will be updated on an annual basis to ensure compatibility. Where necessary, the guidelines in this document will comply with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.
As part of the AQHMP service, the WDL offers specialized culture techniques and identification methods for bacterial fish pathogens and fish parasites. Swab samples (transported in Amies charcoal medium) may be sent to the WDL for cultures; alternatively, Dr. Leonard Flemming can be contacted for assistance in the collection of culture specimens.
For more information about the AQHMP service, please contact the WDL.