Relatively few major disease events have occurred within the WA aquaculture industries and as a result there has not been an opportunity for an integrated multi-agency approach, though one has been developed on
paper. To date, emergencies have been dealt with on an add-hoc basis and no large-scale containment or eradication programs have been undertaken with respect to aquatic animal diseases. The Department has also been fortunate that the remote and isolated nature of most of WA has not seriously affected the limited emergencies so far experienced, though considerable difficulties were experienced in collecting samples during the 2001 White Spot scare. It follows that relatively little experience in handling such emergencies currently
exists within the Department of Fisheries, WA. Simulation exercises provide a practical method of exposing and training staff in the management of aquatic disease emergencies.The need can be summarized as follows:
1. Both government and industries have limited experience with real emergencies.
2. Though there is a cohesive management strategy setting out the roles and responsibilities of individuals and agencies involved, it is untested.
3. The limited number of emergencies has lead to industry and agency complacency about the risks of disease introduction and the potential effects.
4. The linkages between all stakeholders on a national disease aquaculture event have not been tested. This exercise will test a national response as well as a local response. The freshwater crayfish industry in Western Australia is very keen to conduct the exercise and integrate the
products from N Buller and F Stephens.