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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #161258
Title: DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF BIOSECURITY PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES AT THE WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER

Author
item Weirich, Charles
item SEGARS, ALBERT - SC NATURAL RESOURCES
item BRUCE, JEFF - SC NATURAL RESOURCES
item BROWDY, CRAIG - SC NATURAL RESOURCES

Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2003
Publication Date: 6/1/2003
Citation: Weirich, C.R., Segars, A.L., Bruce, J.V., Browdy, C.L. 2003. Development and implementation of biosecurity protocols and procedures at the waddell mariculture center. Aquaculture America Conference. pp.139-156.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As production aquaculture expands, diversifies, and becomes more intensive, the risks and effects associated with pathogen introduction, transfer, and release are enhanced. Using the farm-raised shrimp industry as an example, major losses in stocks due to viral outbreaks were experienced by producers worldwide in the 1990's. In turn, this development raised concerns with respect to potential infection of wild shrimp stocks. The threat of viral pathogens to shrimp aquaculture and the environment continues today and has led to the development and implementation of biosecure production practices for this industry. Based largely on pork and poultry industry models, biosecure shrimp production programs commonly consist of utilizing specific pathogen free (SPF) stocks, sterilization of influent water and/or use of minimal water exchange system technologies when applicable, using pathogen free feed sources, reducing the potential of pathogen transfer via animal vectors, and restricting human movement and transfer of equipment between site-specific designated facility zones. While geographic isolation is an important component of biosecure pork and poultry production, many aquaculture facilities, especially those producing marine species, are located near or adjacent to vast coastal or estuarine areas. This situation greatly increases the potential for pathogen introduction and release. The Waddell Mariculture Center (WMC), a research facility operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, faces this predicament as it is situated on the shore of the Colleton River, a tidal embayment located adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern South Carolina. This document provides an overview of the protocols and procedures developed and implemented at WMC to mitigate the potential for introduction, transfer, and release of aquatic animal pathogens.