AAHS provides a cohesive national approach to aquatic animal health R&D in Australia by providing leadership, direction and focus for health R&D and other related non-R&D activities. AAHS was renewed in 2008 based on national need, previous performance and strong stakeholder support. Key strengths include its strategic focus and the establishment of a network of aquatic animal health experts and research providers. Continuation of AAHS on the basis of a shared financial commitment by stakeholders from industry and governments is highly desirable.

Australia’s aquatic animal sector is free from many diseases that occur overseas, providing us with a competitive advantage in both production and trade. While the number of aquatic animal species and the absolute number of aquatic animals being farmed in Australia is increasing annually, new diseases caused by emerging infectious agents (e.g. abalone herpesvirus, oyster oedema disease, ostreid herpesvirus) continue to threaten the sustainability of significant enterprises and the call on health services to support this expanding industry is growing.

In addition to aquaculture, aquatic animal health R&D is required for the other aquatic animal sectors, including wild-capture (c.f. Streptococcus agalactiae in grouper), recreational and ornamental (c.f. gourami iridovirus), that share the aquatic environment. Thus health services need to be coordinated across these sectors to ensure synergy while avoiding duplication. FRDC, through AAHS, plays a major role in addressing research needs and training in aquatic animal health. With its incumbent expertise and experience, AAHS is able to direct these activities in the most pressing areas.