In project FRDC2007/007 and previous studies it was determined that ornamental fish entering Australia may carry pathogens of quarantine concern, specifically gourami iridovirus (GIV) and cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV2). Ornamental fish are imported under a policy based on a formal Import Risk Assessment (IRA). On the 11/09/08 Biosecurity Australia announced the formal commencement of an Import Risk Analysis (IRA) under the regulated IRA process to review Australia’s freshwater ornamental finfish policy with respect to quarantine risks associated with gourami iridovirus (GIV). Australia has imported a large number of gouramis for many decades. The 1999 IRA considered several species of gouramis and concluded that specific risk management measures were required for these species due to biosecurity risk posed by iridoviruses, including GIV. Australia’s quarantine measures include that gouramis are held in an export premises for a minimum 14 day period prior to export, health certification stating that they are sourced from populations with no known significant clinical disease in the last six months, and that the fish are held in post-arrival quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. These are key features which need to be reviewed. Additional scientific data would enhance the review.

A second impact is that the developing Australian ornamental fish aquaculture industry may be at risk due to introduced pathogens. This is of particular relevance for goldfish, where domestic breeders claim that their stock succumb to diseases such as CyHV2 disease when brought into contact with imported goldfish in wholesale and retail premises. This disease agent was also specifically addressed in the 1999 IRA.

There is need to determine whether GIV and CyHV2 are in fact entering Australia despite quarantine practices, and further, to determine whether either virus is already established in farmed or wild ornamental fish in Australia.

There are very few experienced aquatic health veterinarians Australia-wide. Of these, there are a very small number practicing in private practice. As the aquaculture industry grows, there is a need for more highly skilled aquatic veterinarians in the country to ensure the industry continues to be successful and expand. Experienced veterinarians are required in the field of disease investigation and treatment, diagnostics, development of farm-based parasite management programs, development of biosecurity and health accreditation programs, reproduction, nutrition and welfare.

I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2011 and have worked in aquatic animal health as a field veterinarian since. My interests lie in production medicine in epidemiology, and I enjoy supporting the development of the food industry.

Diseases of Warmwater Fish (University of Florida) is a course that brings together a collection of aquatic animal health professionals. The organisers of the course are some of the most respected international aquatic health experts currently working or researching in the field. The course is designed as an intensive two-week class that provides instructions in the methodology of diagnosis and treatment of fish disease. By attending this course, I will be able to bring back useful skills to assist in disease investigation, a network of international experts, and a more detailed knowledge of fish disease- directly benefiting industry.