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Training of Trainers - Library - Network of Aquaculture Centres in ...

Training of Trainers - Library - Network of Aquaculture Centres in ...

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Compliance to <strong>in</strong>ternational standards and agreements <strong>in</strong> relation to transboundarypathogens and food safetyC.V. Mohan<strong>Network</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Aquaculture</strong> <strong>Centres</strong> <strong>in</strong> Asia-Pacific, Suraswadi Build<strong>in</strong>g,Department <strong>of</strong> Fisheries, Kasetsart University CampusBangkok 10900, ThailandAbstractLive aquatic animals are moved actively to support subsistence and commercial aquaculture <strong>in</strong> Asia. Live aquaticanimals though appear<strong>in</strong>g healthy, <strong>of</strong>ten carry serious pathogens. The movement <strong>of</strong> live aquatic animals carriesan <strong>in</strong>herent risk <strong>of</strong> mov<strong>in</strong>g aquatic animal pathogens conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> those commodities. International trade is <strong>of</strong>particular concern because <strong>of</strong> the large volumes <strong>of</strong> live animals and products moved. Various global <strong>in</strong>struments,codes <strong>of</strong> practice and guidel<strong>in</strong>es (either voluntary or obligatory) exist that provide certa<strong>in</strong> levels <strong>of</strong> protection, allaimed at m<strong>in</strong>imiz<strong>in</strong>g the risks due to pathogens/diseases associated with aquatic animal movement. Internationalstandards and guidel<strong>in</strong>es describe both preventative (for example, certification and import risk analysis) andreactive (for example, cont<strong>in</strong>gency plans) measures to m<strong>in</strong>imize the impact <strong>of</strong> trans-boundary diseases. TheWTO-SPS agreement and the standards developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) areimportant.The issue <strong>of</strong> food safety and quality is <strong>of</strong> concern to all consumers <strong>in</strong> both produc<strong>in</strong>g and import<strong>in</strong>g countries.Potential risks to human health and food safety from aquaculture products can come from various reasons. Foodborneparasitic <strong>in</strong>fections, food-borne diseases associated with pathogenic bacteria and viruses, residues <strong>of</strong> agrochemicals,veter<strong>in</strong>ary drugs and heavy-metal organic or <strong>in</strong>organic contam<strong>in</strong>ation have been identified as possiblehazards <strong>in</strong> aquaculture products. Internationally adopted food standards, guidel<strong>in</strong>es, codes <strong>of</strong> practice and otherrecommendations are set by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.Compliance to WTO-SPS agreement and their associated standards will help to m<strong>in</strong>imize the risk <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternationalspread <strong>of</strong> trans-boundary pathogens and ensure food safety <strong>of</strong> fish and fishery products.Trans-boundary PathogensAquatic animals have been moved around the world for various reasons. There are many examples <strong>of</strong> positivesocio-economic benefits from <strong>in</strong>troductions <strong>of</strong> aquatic species, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g improved livelihoods, <strong>in</strong>creasedproduction and trade. However, there are equally examples where serious negative impacts have resulted. Where<strong>in</strong>troductions are necessary, they have to be conducted <strong>in</strong> a responsible way us<strong>in</strong>g appropriate risk assessmentand management measures. Trans-boundary aquatic animal diseases are a major risk and an important constra<strong>in</strong>tto the growth <strong>of</strong> aquaculture. Aquatic alien species could either be pathogens, which may cause trans-boundaryaquatic animal diseases, or could harbour aquatic animal pathogens that lead to diseases and epizootics <strong>in</strong>aquaculture follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>of</strong> alien species. Aquatic animal pathogens, are trans-boundary problems withpotential to impact on <strong>in</strong>ternational trade, aquaculture and fisheries and the people whose livelihoods depend onaquatic resources.Live aquatic animals are moved actively to support subsistence and commercial aquaculture <strong>in</strong> Asia. Live aquaticanimals though appear<strong>in</strong>g healthy, <strong>of</strong>ten carry serious pathogens. Examples <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction <strong>of</strong> pathogens to new142

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