The Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Coordination Program (AAHBCP) was established to ensure the productivity and profitability of aquatic animal industries and to protect aquatic environments through research and development.
The AAHBCP plays a pivotal role in leading national aquatic animal health and biosecurity-related research. It guides FRDC-funded R&D to address priorities identified through industry consultation and the objectives of the national strategic plan for aquatic animal health, AQUAPLAN.
The AAHBCP also engages with industry sectors and research and diagnostic agencies to identify aquatic animal health and biosecurity related priorities.
The AAHBCP is managed by an expert steering and scientific committee who identify and prioritise the R&D needed to support the sustainable growth of the Australian seafood industry.
AQUAPLAN
AQUAPLAN is Australia’s National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Animal Health 2021–2026. The strategy outlines the objectives, projects, emergency preparedness and response arrangements for the management of aquatic animal health in Australia.
AQUAPLAN was developed and formally endorsed by the Commonwealth and State/Territory governments and the private sector. The development of AQUAPLAN and the implementation of its projects are overseen by the Ministerially appointed Fish Health Management Committee (FHMC).
Members
- Tracey Bradley (Chair),
- Joanne Slater
- Ingo Ernst
- Steve Percival
- Cecile Dang (Science Advisory Committee)
- Ian Anderson (Science Advisory Committee)
- Nick Moody (Science Advisory Committee)
AAHPC Contact
Nick Moody, Program Leader – (E: Nick.Moody@csiro.au)
FRDC Management Contacts
Wayne Hutchinson – FRDC Portfolio Manager
(T: +61 2 6122 2153; E: Wayne.hutchinson@frdc.com.au)
Carolyn Stewardson – FRDC Portfolio Manager
(T: +61 2 6122 2119; E: Carolyn.stewardson@frdc.com.au)
Additional information
The AAHBS produces a Health Highlights Newsletter:
White Spot Disease Update
White Spot Disease (WSD) is an internationally notifiable disease of crustaceans caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). On 22 November 2016, a WSSV incursion was first reported in Black Tiger Prawns (Penaeus monodon) grown on a prawn farm taking water from the Logan River, SE QLD.
In response, a large bank of research has been undertaken to address the outbreak of WSD. This research can be found on the White Spot Disease page.
Aquatic Animal Diseases Identification Field Guide 5th Edition
The Aquatic Animal Diseases Identification Field Guide 5th Edition has been developed to aid the identification of aquatic diseases in Australia.
The field guide is also available as a mobile app, allowing users to search and learn about aquatic animal diseases that affect finfish, molluscs, crustaceans and amphibians. The app can be freely downloaded through the App Store or Google Play.
Related Websites
- Reporting Disease Outbreaks
- Aquatic Animal Health
- OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals
Related projects
2021-120: |
Minor use permit for toltrazuril in marine and freshwater finfish |
Current |
2021-101: |
Minor use permit for oxytetracycline in marine and freshwater crustaceans |
Current |
2021-071: |
Minor use permit to sedate finfish using APVMA registered products containing isoeugenol |
Current |
2021-061: |
Development of a guideline to investigate and understand disease outbreaks of unknown cause. |
Current |
2021-048: |
“Ready, set, go!” preparing for emergency disease outbreaks in aquatic animals |
Current |
2021-027: |
Minor use permit for erythromycin in finfish |
Current |
2020-052: |
Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Subprogram: Strategic planning, project management and adoption |
Current |
2019-089: |
Evaluation of point of care (POC) tests for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) |
Current |