Preparedness & Response
The best line of defense is to know what pathogens exist where and in what species. Surveillance, whether routine or in response to aquaculture industry needs, is critical. These data provide the backbone of the Disease Data Mapper.
SURVEILLANCE
ACTIVE Disease Surveillance – extensive, systematic monitoring of disease and mortality in natural populations providing critical information to understand changes in disease over time, inform resource management, and look for the emergence of new pathogens. Atlantic Coast Examples:
PASSIVE Disease Surveillance – the shellfish samples submitted by growers and hatcheries for evaluation. Whether in response to a die-off event, or for routine seed transfers, this provides critical perspective on disease in aquaculture populations and whether or not new pathogens may be emerging.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR ENDEMIC / KNOWN DISEASES
SELECTIVE BREEDING – fundamental to shellfish health management
- Selected oyster lines in wide regional use perform well with regard to MSX, dermo, SSO diseases.
- Clam lines in use by Virginia aquaculturists are long-adapted to QPX and resist that disease.
EARLY MARKETING – potential strategy for Dermo disease mgmt.
- Dermo is caused by Perkinsus marinus which is endemic to most of the Atlantic Coast.
- Dermo mortality risk increases with time, so marketing before exposure to the pathogen for a second full summer (i.e., at 1.5 yrs of age) is advantageous
GOOD HUSBANDRY – an active role for growers.
- Minimizing stress that might exacerbate parasitic disease is always important
- QPX attacks clams that are stressed, for example, by heavy fouling of nets with macroalgae
BIOSECURITY CONTROL OF SEED TRANSFERS
- Promote transfers from “safe” areas, and of smaller seed which is more likely to be free of pathogens
TRAINING
Coming soon! Free, online modules providing details on the RSSBP’s hatchery compliance program, endemic diseases on the Atlantic Coast of the US, and shellfish hatchery biosecurity protocols.