aquaculture biosecurity handbook

Aquaculture Biosecurity

HandbookAssisting New Zealand’s commercial and non‑commercial aquaculture to minimise on‑farm biosecurity risk

PublisherMinistry for Primary Industries PO Box 2526, Wellington, 6140

Email: [email protected] Phone: 0800 00 83 33 Web: www.mpi.govt.nz

ISBN No: 978‑1‑77665‑335‑5 (online) ISBN No: 978‑1‑77665‑336‑2 (print) © Crown Copyright – Ministry for Primary Industries, July 2016

This publication, including the biosecurity plan template, has been developed with the assistance of: Department of Agriculture, Subcommittee on Aquatic Animal Health (SCAAH) 2016. Aquaculture Farm Biosecurity Plan: Generic Guidelines and Template. Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra. CC BY 3.0

Cover images courtesy of Aquaculture NZ. Thank you to other organisations and individuals for use of their photos.

DisclaimerWhile every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, the Ministry for Primary Industries does not accept any responsibility or liability for error of fact, omission, interpretation or opinion that may be present, nor for the consequences of any decisions based on this information. Any view or opinion expressed does not necessarily represent the view of the Ministry for Primary Industries.

mailto:[email protected]

www.mpi.govt.nz

Ministry for Primary Industries 1

Aquaculture Biosecurity Handbook: Minimising On-farm Biosecurity Risk

ContentsTHIS HANDBOOK 2

BIOSECURITY: AN OVERVIEW 3

QUICK GUIDE: PROTECT YOUR FARM IN SEVEN STEPS 4

HOW PESTS AND DISEASES CAN BE INTRODUCED AND SPREAD 6

PLAN AND BE PREPARED – FARM BIOSECURITY PLANS 7

BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICES 7

STOCK HEALTH AND PATHWAY MANAGEMENT 81 STOCK HEALTH MANAGEMENT 9

2 STOCK MOVEMENTS AND CONTAINMENT 10

3 WATER 11

4 EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES AND VESSELS 13

5 PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 14

6 FEEDS AND FEEDING 16

7 WILDLIFE, SCAVENGERS AND VERMIN 16

GENERAL MANAGEMENT & QUALITY ASSURANCE 178 RECORD KEEPING 18

9 MONITORING/SURVEILLANCE 19

10 WASTE (OTHER THAN WATER) 20

11 AUDITING 20

12 CONTINGENCY PLANS 21

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 22

BIOSECURITY PLAN TEMPLATE 23


2 Ministry for Primary Industries

THIS HANDBOOKThis handbook provides guidance to strengthen your on‑farm biosecurity management to protect your business, industry and stock. These practices can help you minimise unnecessary costs and production losses, and reduce the risk of losing market access. By following good on‑farm biosecurity practices you will be better placed to cope with a potential pest or disease outbreak.

An industry that is better informed will: » avoid problems rather than try and solve them

» make informed decisions

» minimise the impacts by being prepared if something does arise

» maintain and improve your role as a responsible user of the aquatic environment.

Preventive biosecurity is more cost effective than reactively trying to solve a problem once it has occurred. The best way to start is to understand the risks associated with your farm and industry, and to undertake good biosecurity practices to manage and minimise them where practical.

Who does this handbook apply to?This handbook is suitable for all commercial and non‑commercial aquaculture including, farmers, research facilities and hobbyists. The information in this handbook will help you develop biosecurity management plans. Developing a biosecurity management plan will help you to assess and prioritise the biosecurity risks relevant to your operation. These plans will be as individual as your farm. Plans will vary depending on the type, location, design and size of your farm, and the species and life stages farmed. A biosecurity plan template is provided at the end of this handbook. We recommend that you seek professional biosecurity advice to help assess the risks associated with your farming operations and in the development and implementation of your biosecurity plan.

Information within this handbook represents: » guidance to inform your on‑farm biosecurity

management plans

» a set of practical and cost effective options to prevent and reduce pest and disease impacts to your farm

» science‑based information developed in consultation with farmers and industry bodies.

To support this handbook other material has been produced, including: » a technical reference document – containing

detailed information about preventive on‑farm biosecurity1

» a pest and disease identification guide – to help you identify pests and diseases of concern.

This information can be accessed via the MPI and Aquaculture NZ websites www.mpi.govt.nz and www.aquaculture.org.nz

This handbook is not:A prescriptive set of rules – however, you must be aware of and follow any laws that are in place. These laws are there to protect your industry, the interests of other water users, and the aquatic environment. Should you have any questions about these laws please contact MPI on [email protected]

1 The technical reference document Options to Strengthen On-Farm Biosecurity Management for Commercial and Non-Commercial Aquaculture covers salmon, trout, oysters, mussels and paua. However, much of the information contained in the document will be relevant to other species. Further reference documents will be produced for other New Zealand aquaculture species.

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/13287

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10478

www.mpi.govt.nz

http://www.aquaculture.org.nz






Biosecurity is the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by pests and diseases to the economy, environment and human health.

BIOSECURITY: AN OVERVIEWBiosecurity is the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by pests and diseases to the economy, environment and human health. Biosecurity is not just about stopping pests and diseases at our borders. Biosecurity also includes protecting your business, industry and environment from the introduction, exacerbation or spread of pests and diseases. Everyone working in, managing, or owning a farm has a responsibility to undertake good biosecurity practice.

MPI’s pre‑border, border and post‑border measures exclude disease entry into New Zealand and maintains freedom from most pests and diseases that are found in many aquatic animal stocks around the world. However, due to our dependence on ocean borne transport for trade, natural water and wild animal movements, our aquatic environment remains susceptible to the introduction of non‑indigenous organisms.

Biosecurity is a top priority for government. In 2018, the implementation of a standard for biofouling on arriving vessels will strengthen our border controls. Further work is underway to strengthen our internal borders across all sectors (for example, commercial shipping, fisheries, oil and gas exploration and recreational boating) to prevent the spread of species that may impact the aquaculture industry. This work also includes working with councils on national direction for biosecurity.

Where implemented correctly, good biosecurity practice will reduce the risk of pest and disease introduction or exacerbation on your farm, minimise the spread within your farm or to new areas, promote animal health, and

protect economic investment and human health.

Preventive biosecurity is especially relevant for farms in close proximity to each other. Ideally farmers should address biosecurity collaboratively by taking into account water movements or catchment zones. Management options for most aquatic pests and diseases are still limited, hence prevention remains the best line of approach for aquaculture.

Early detection and reporting are key as they can improve the chance of successfully managing pests and diseases and reduce their impacts and spread. Unwanted and notifiable organisms, as defined in the Biosecurity Act 1993, must be reported immediately to MPI’s pest and disease hotline 0800 80 99 66.

Following good on‑farm biosecurity practices will: » minimise the introduction, exacerbation and

spread of pests and diseases onto, within and from farms

» increase the ability to manage pests and diseases should outbreaks occur

» reduce the costs of pests and diseases to your productivity and ongoing management

» maintain and improve your market access and the social licence of your industry.



QU

ICK

GU

IDE

Everyone involved in commercial and non-commercial aquaculture has an important role in protecting their farm, their industry, and the aquatic environment from biosecurity risk.

This handbook provides guidance on how you can minimise the risk of introduction, exacerbation and spread of pests and diseases within and from your farm. Incorporating the following steps into your daily farm operations will assist you to protect your business, your industry, and the aquatic environment on which we all depend. The cost of implementing good preventive biosecurity practices are lower than the costs of managing pests and diseases once they occur.

PROTECT YOUR FARM IN SEVEN STEPS1.Maintain stock health and welfare Follow good animal husbandry practices. The benefits of good animal welfare and biosecurity go hand‑in‑hand and should minimise animal stress where practicable.

2.Be aware of the pathways of risk organisms onto, within and off your farm Make sure your staff are familiar with the pests and diseases of concern and their pathways. Carry out biosecurity induction and ongoing training to explain required behaviours and hygiene practices on your farm.

3.Obtain pest and disease-free stock Preferentially source stock from areas/facilities with a known health status and with a health monitoring programme. Keep records of all stock movements onto, within and off your farm so they can be traced in the event of a problem.

1.Maintain

2.Be

3.Obtain


QU

ICK

GU

IDE4. Keep things clean

Carry out good cleaning and disinfection practices to help prevent the introduction, exacerbation and spread of pests and diseases. All people (including workers and visitors), equipment, vehicles and vessels represent potential ways of spreading pests or diseases onto, within or off your farm. Make sure they have been cleaned and disinfected before entering and leaving your farm. Other pathways that may spread pests and diseases include feed and wildlife.

5.Check your farm Constant vigilance is vital for early detection of pests and diseases. Regularly monitor your stock for signs of unusual behaviour, colourations, pests or mortalities. Knowing what is normal will help you to recognise what isn’t. Keep records (written, photographic) of all unusual observations.

6.Report anything unusual Farmers are regularly in and around the aquatic environment and therefore are well placed to notice anything out of the ordinary. If your stock appears abnormal or experiences unusual sickness or mortalities you should ensure these are investigated promptly, either through referral to your aquatic health professional and/or by calling MPI’s pest and disease hotline 0800 80 99 66. You should also ring the hotline if you see or suspect an unwanted or notifiable organism. Information about why you should ring the 0800 number and what happens when you do can be found on the MPI website www.mpi.govt.nz.

7.Have a biosecurity management plan in place A biosecurity management plan will help you to assess and prioritise the biosecurity risks relevant to your farming operation. Implementing good biosecurity practices will in turn help you prevent, reduce or manage those risks.

PLAN

5.Check

6.Report

http://www.mpi.govt.nz

7.Have



Main risk pathways for pests and diseases to spread on to, within and from a farm

WATERsupply

dischargewaste water

transport waterbilge water

WILDLIFEvermin

pets wildlife

EQUIPMENT, VESSELS, VEHICLES

netsbargestrucks

FEEDraw materialscontaminants

PEOPLEstaffvisitors, contractorscontaminants on hands, boots, clothing etc

STOCKstock movementsstock wasteescapescontact between stockstock healthYOUR

FARM

HOW PESTS AND DISEASES CAN BE INTRODUCED AND SPREADWhen thinking about farm biosecurity, you should identify farm inputs, throughputs and outputs – “the pathways”. For example, the following pathways should be considered when producing a biosecurity management plan and when locating and designing a new farm:

Stock movements and containment » Introduction of new stock or broodstock onto

your farm » Stock movements within your farm » Stock movements off your farm » Stock escapes.

Water » Water that can be controlled ‑ pumped or

flowed onto, within and off your farm » Uncontrolled water – farms that reside in water

e.g. at sea, in lakes or canals » Water that stock is transported in.

Equipment » Nets, ropes, baskets, buoys, containers,

clothing, footwear, etc » Vessels – barges, supply boats » Vehicles – transporting trucks, trailers, courier

vans.

People » Site staff » Staff from other farms » Visitors, contractors, couriers, suppliers.

Feed » Stock feed » Raw materials.

Wildlife » Marine mammals, birds » Vermin (rats, mice, stray or feral animals) » Domestic animals.

Farm location and design are also important aspects to consider.


Good practices should not be overly complicated, costly, or difficult to follow and implement.

PLAN AND BE PREPARED – FARM BIOSECURITY PLANSBiosecurity practices should be practical and fit-for-purpose. The biosecurity practices you implement should be simple and as low cost as possible whilst achieving the desired outcomes. However, some changes may take time and require substantial long term costs. These will vary depending on the level of risk and methods to mitigate and manage the risk. Biosecurity plans are a form of insurance and need financial and intellectual investment, and commitment to implement. Good biosecurity practices can improve the performance of your farm.

The information in this handbook represents a starting point to strengthen your on‑farm biosecurity. Developing and implementing a biosecurity management plan using the plan template and technical reference document is the next step. A biosecurity plan template is provided at the rear of this handbook. For a range of options to prevent and manage pest and disease introduction, exacerbation and spread please refer to the technical

reference document. Some measures can be implemented on‑site, whilst others may require co‑operative implementation with neighbouring farms.

Implementing good biosecurity practices into day‑to‑day activities and operations is the best way to minimise biosecurity risk to your farm. There are many quick, simple and practical measures that can help protect your farm and your industry’s future.

When developing a plan it is important to consider all aspects of your production system (farm purpose, type, location and design) and the species and life stages reared.

The following biosecurity objectives and recommended practices will assist you with your biosecurity management plans.

BIOSECURITY MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND RECOMMENDED PRACTICESPlan and record how you are going to achieve the intent of the following objectives where applicable to your farm operation.





STOCK

HEA

LTH A

ND

PATHW

AY MA

NA

GEM

ENT

Ernslaw One Ltd


1. STOCK HEALTH MANAGEMENT*Objective: Stock health should be maintained to optimum levels.

Recommended practices: » Keep stock stress to a minimum.

» Maintain optimum water quality levels.

» Maintain appropriate stocking densities.

» Provide appropriate diets and nutrition.

» Avoid unnecessary or rough handling of stock.

» Keep transfers within or between farms to a minimum.

» Monitor stock frequently.

» Remove dead or dying stock from remaining stock as soon as practicable:

– A veterinarian or aquatic health professional should be contacted as soon as possible to conduct testing.

– Store dead animals for testing in a biosecure manner.

– Dispose of sick (moribund) or dead animals in a biosecure manner (i.e. that is not accessible to other stocks, wildlife, vermin, or pose a hazard to the environment or human health).

– Increase inspection frequency during periods of higher risk, such as elevated water temperatures or known problems elsewhere.

– Keep accurate records of all instances of pest occurrence, suspicion of disease and deaths and any treatments administered.

» Monitor and keep records of all aspects of stock health management (e.g. water quality parameters, stocking densities, handling events, growth and feed conversion ratios).

Gra

eme

Silv

erM

PI

Ian

Had

land

, NZ

Fish

and

Gam

e C

ounc

il

* the health of stock must also take into account animal welfare.



2. STOCK MOVEMENTS AND CONTAINMENTObjective: Minimise the pest and disease risk associated with stock movements onto, within and off your farm.

Recommended practices: » Only stock of known health status should be

introduced onto your farm. Health status should be equal or better than stock already present.

» Only move stock off your farm to locations of equal or lesser health status than the current location.

» If stock of unknown health status is to be introduced (e.g. wild broodstock, seed stock), this stock should be isolated in separate production units or dedicated quarantine facilities (e.g. land‑based farms)

» Where it is considered by your biosecurity adviser that unacceptable risk exists, broodstock should be indefinitely quarantined with the aim of producing progeny that would replace that broodstock (e.g. high-health or specific pathogen-free progeny), or euthanise broodstock and dispose in a biosecure manner

» Within‑farm stock movements to areas of equal or higher health status should occur following a documented consideration of pest and disease risks

» Precautions should be undertaken to prevent the within farm spread of pests, disease until such situations are resolved

» Monitor and treat (as required) new stock

» Keep accurate records of all stock movements onto, within or off your farm

» Prevent stock escapes.


3. WATER

3.1. Water sources (land-based farms)Objective: Minimise the risks of pests and disease entry and spread associated with incoming water.

Recommended practices: » The water supply should be assessed for biosecurity risk

and appropriate action(s) taken

» Locate water intake and outflow pipes to avoid cross‑contamination

» Treat intake water to an acceptable level so as to minimise the risk of pests and diseases entering your farm (screening, filtration, ultra-violet light, ozone)

» Regularly monitor and maintain infrastructure that treats incoming water

» Water flow within land-based farms should minimise the potential for spread of pests and diseases to different production units

» Install screens on intake pipes to prevent entry of undesirable organisms (e.g. wildlife)

» Monitor and keep records of all water treatments, including maintenance of screens

» Have contingency plans in the event of water treatment failures and in the event of a pest or disease outbreak

» Maintain good water quality at all times

» Design pipework, raceways, ponds, tanks etc, so they can be easily cleaned without discharge of untreated effluent into the environment.



3.2. Waste water management (land-based farms)Objective: Minimise the pest and disease risks associated with discharging water from your farm.

Recommended practices: » Treat discharge water to an acceptable level

to minimise the risk of any pests or diseases establishing in the surrounding environment (e.g. screening, filtration, UV, ozone)

» Screens should be installed on discharge pipes

to avoid stock escapes and reduce the risk of pests and diseases leaving your farm

» Treat or dispose of all water used in the transport of stock in a biosecure manner (i.e. that does not pose a hazard to the environment or neighbouring farms).

3.3. Water sources (open system farms)Objective: Minimise the pest and disease risks that may enter your farm from the water your farm is located in.

It is difficult to minimise the risk of pests and diseases entering or leaving your farm when the water source is not able to be controlled (e.g. at sea, in lakes and canals). Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on those pathways that can be managed (e.g. stock movements, people, equipment), working with neighbouring farms (e.g. area based management) and the ongoing monitoring and surveillance.

Recommended practice: » Open system farms should consider zoning

or compartments to separate populations (epidemiological separation) and disease risk between farms (e.g. fallowing, year class separation).

MP

I


4. EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES AND VESSELSObjective: Minimise the risk of equipment, vehicles and vessels introducing and spreading pests and diseases onto, within and off your farm.

Recommended practices: » Assess all equipment, vehicles and vessels entering

the farm for biosecurity risk and ensure that risk is managed by taking appropriate action(s)

» Standard operating procedures and dedicated infrastructure should be in place for cleaning and disinfection of equipment, vehicles and vessels

» Farms should have dedicated and well‑designed delivery and loading areas

» Dispose of any biofouling in a biosecure manner

» Where possible, avoid sharing equipment, vehicles and vessels between farms or designated locations within a farm. Where equipment, vehicles or vessels travel between farms, appropriate cleaning and disinfection should be carried out and documented

» Keep records of all instances of cleaning and disinfection of structures, equipment, vehicles and vessels

» Do not encourage non‑operational vessels to visit marine farms.

Gra

eme

Silv

erO

ceaN

Z B

lue



5. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

5.1. Staff and visitorsObjective: Minimise the risk of staff and visitors transferring pests and diseases onto, within and off your farm.

Recommended practices: » Assess all staff and visitor access to farms for

biosecurity risk and ensure that risk is managed by taking appropriate action(s). Refusal of entry should be considered for high risk visitors

» Manage farm access (e.g. access controls and signage)

» All visitors should be briefed regarding on‑farm biosecurity

» Preventive measures for pest and disease entry and spread should apply to all farm staff and visitors (e.g. dedicated changing areas, ante rooms, separate production areas, footbaths and hand washing facilities)

» Restrict staff and visitor access to sensitive areas (e.g. broodstock, hatcheries, and quarantine areas)

» Ensure any decontamination areas (e.g. changing areas, ante rooms, footbaths and hand washing facilities) are away from production areas

» Keep records of all visitors to your farm

» Keep records of education and staff training.

5.2. Property (farm design, access and signage)Objective: Minimise the biosecurity risks associated with visitors or unwanted persons accessing unauthorised areas of your farm.

Recommended practices: » Farm location and design should take into account

access, stock biosecurity, and the health and welfare of the species farmed

» The farm should have a clearly established biosecurity zone (e.g. secure perimeter fencing or otherwise well‑defined boundary)

Erns

law

One

Ltd

Ian

Had

land

, Fis

h an

d G

ame

Cou

ncil


» Close and lock farm entrances to prevent unauthorised entry. Lock entrances during all non‑visitor hours

» Assess farm inputs (e.g. water, stock, staff, equipment, feed) for potential biosecurity risks and take appropriate action(s) to address identified risk(s).

5.3. Staff training and educationObjective: Ensure all staff and visitors are appropriately trained to understand their biosecurity responsibilities.

Recommended practices: » The farm should have a nominated staff

member responsible for oversight of on‑site biosecurity

» All staff should understand the farm biosecurity plan and their responsibilities for its implementation

» Training should be provided to staff on the aspects of the biosecurity plan (including identified pest and disease risks)

» Staff responsible for managing stock are aware of the importance of preventive measures, early detection, and reporting of unusual, sick or dead animals through the farms health professional and/or by calling MPI’s pest and disease hotline (0800 80 99 66).

» Staff know how to respond and what to do in the event of a suspected pest or disease outbreak.



6. FEEDS AND FEEDINGObjective: Minimise the risk of feed exacerbating or transferring pests and diseases onto, within and off your farm.

Recommended practices: » All feeds entering the farm should be assessed for

biosecurity risk and appropriate action(s) taken to address identified risk(s)

» Source feeds from reputable suppliers to ensure they provide assurances of quality and content

» Ensure any feed containing aquatic organisms is adequately treated to ensure safe product

» Store feeds in designated areas (e.g. clean and dry) to avoid contamination and reduced feed quality

» Regularly inspect feed to check for the presence of mould, vermin, and other undesirable organisms.

7. WILDLIFE, SCAVENGERS AND VERMINObjective: Minimise the risk of wildlife, scavengers, vermin, and pets transferring pests and disease onto, within or from the farm.

Recommended practices: » Control or exclude predators, wildlife, vermin and

other organisms (e.g. aquatic life) from land‑based systems

» Control, exclude or prevent aggregations of predators, wildlife, vermin and other organisms (e.g. aquatic life) from open water systems

» Regularly inspect farms for biosecurity breaches or signs of potential breaches and remedy as required

» Keep records of any presence of wildlife and vermin, or biosecurity breaches and any preventive or corrective actions taken.

Pla

nt &

Foo

d R

esea

rch

MP

I

Both photos MPI


GEN

ERA

L MA

NA

GEM

ENT &

QU

ALITY A

SSUR

AN

CE



8. RECORD KEEPINGObjective: Record all information necessary to trace and determine the origin of pest or disease in the event of an outbreak.

Recommended practices: » Maintain records to trace stock, and their associated

health status, onto, within or from the farm

» Maintain records for all aspects of the biosecurity plan (e.g. staff training, inspection and maintenance of farm infrastructure and equipment, visitor logs)

» Other records* that should be maintained include, but are not limited to:

– all stock transfer on to, within, and off your farm

– stock health

– purchases and sales

– monitoring and surveillance activities

– testing and declarations

– stocking densities

– stock performance

– feed schedules

– environmental parameters e.g. water and air temperature, water quality, pH, rainfall, dissolved oxygen levels

– stock disease and mortalities

– treatments and vaccinations administered

– cleaning and disinfection procedures

– breaches in containment

– security breaches (intruders and thefts).

*All recordkeeping must comply with any relevant legislation.

Erns

law

One

Ltd

Pla

nt &

Foo

d R

esea

rch


9. MONITORING/SURVEILLANCEObjective: Minimise the biosecurity risk to a farm by implementing appropriate monitoring and surveillance practices.

Recommended practices: » Regularly inspect and monitor all of your stock and

record abnormalities and mortalities (including early signs of stress, behavioural changes or presence of pests)

» Investigate suspected health problems in your stock

» Observe and record abnormalities and mortalities in wild stocks around your farm

» Maintain access to qualified veterinarian or aquatic health professional who can provide advice and examine stock at short notice

» Undertake disease status checks and testing at least twice a year or as determined by a risk assessment conducted by your veterinarian or aquatic health professional

» Monitor and record mortalities over time to identify trends to determine normal and abnormal farm mortality rates

» Set up standard operating procedures for your staff to notify the responsible manager and/or authorities in the event of abnormalities and mortalities

» If you or your staff see anything unusual please call MPI’s pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

All photos MPI



MP

I

10. WASTE (OTHER THAN WATER)Objective: Minimise the pest and disease risks associated with removal and disposal of farm waste.

Recommended practices: » All waste should be assessed for biosecurity risk to the

farm and environment and appropriate action(s) taken to address identified risks

» Containment, handling and disposal of waste should be conducted in a biosecure manner

» Designate waste holding areas that are biosecure (i.e. away from production or feed storage areas)

» Contain, handle and dispose of waste in a biosecure manner

» Disposal of waste should be to an approved waste site or waste management company and must comply with local and central government requirements.

11. AUDITINGObjective: To ensure your farm biosecurity plan continues to address biosecurity risks effectively and efficiently.

Recommended practices: » Have audits conducted of on‑farm biosecurity plans and

their implementation at regular prescribed intervals

» Farms should have a veterinary health plan (VHP), which includes a biosecurity plan that sets out biosecurity protocols, preventive measures, treatments and contingencies. The VHP should be updated as required

» Your farm biosecurity plan should include a schedule for routine review and identify any triggers for extraordinary review.


MP

I

12. CONTINGENCY PLANSObjective: To ensure contingency plans are developed and understood to minimise the impact of emergency incidents that relate directly or indirectly to farm biosecurity.

Recommended practices: » The farm biosecurity plan should include contingencies for direct

(e.g. outbreak) and indirect incidences (e.g. storms, earthquakes) that may influence on-farm biosecurity

» All farm staff should be aware of the contingency plans and understand what to do in the event of an incident

Incidences that require biosecurity considerations include but are not limited to:

» Natural disasters (eg storm damage, flooding, fire, earthquake, tsunami)

» Chemical/oil spill

» Water supply (e.g. availability)

» Pest incursion

» Water quality

» Contaminated effluent water

» Mass mortalities

» Emergency culling

» Emergency cleaning and disinfection

» Mass escape

» Harmful algal bloom

» Jellyfish swarm

» Licensed use of veterinary medicines, therapeutic agents.



IMPORTANT INFORMATIONAdditional documents » Technical Reference Document: Options to Strengthen On-Farm Biosecurity Management for

Commercial and Non-Commercial Aquaculture

» Biosecurity Plan Template (also included at the end of this handbook)

» New Zealand Marine Pest Identification Guide.

Further informationTo support this handbook and the development and implementation of biosecurity management plans farmers are encouraged to refer to the technical reference document and a biosecurity plan template (following pages).

This and other aquaculture biosecurity information is available on the MPI and Aquaculture NZ websites: www.mpi.govt.nz and www.aquaculture.org.nz and refer to your veterinarian or aquatic health professional.

LegislationThe following provides an example of the laws that may relate to commercial and non‑commercial aquaculture. The laws that apply to your farming operations will depend upon the species farmed, your operation, and use of species being farmed.

» Fisheries Act 1996

» Freshwater Fish Farming Regulations 1983

» Biosecurity Act 1993

» Animal Products Act 1999

» Animal Welfare Act 1999

» Conservation Act 1987

» Resource Management Act 1991

If you have any questions about aquaculture related laws please contact MPI on [email protected]

Border management Information on vessels arriving to New Zealand: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border-clearance/vessels/

Import Heath Standards – requirements for importing animals and animal products into New Zealand: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/law-and-policy/requirements/import-health-standards/



https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10478


http://www.mpi.gotv.nz

http://www.aquaculture.org.nz


http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border-clearance/vessels/

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border-clearance/vessels/

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/law-and-policy/requirements/import-health-standards/


BIO

SECUR

ITY PLA

N TEM

PLATE

Fish & Game New Zealand



BIO

SECU

RIT

Y P

LAN

TEM

PLA

TETh

is b

iose

curi

ty p

lan

tem

plat

e is

pro

vide

d to

hel

p yo

u de

velo

p an

d im

plem

ent g

ood

bios

ecur

ity p

ract

ice

on y

our

farm

. Del

ete

sect

ions

that

are

not

app

licab

le.

Usi

ng a

pla

n an

d go

od b

iose

curi

ty p

ract

ices

in y

our

daily

farm

ing

activ

ities

and

ope

ratio

ns w

ill h

elp

redu

ce th

e bi

osec

urity

ris

k to

you

r fa

rm, y

our

busi

ness

, you

r se

ctor

, and

the

envi

ronm

ent.

Whe

n de

velo

ping

you

r pl

an r

emem

ber

to c

onsi

der

all a

spec

ts o

f you

r pr

oduc

tion

syst

em a

nd n

eigh

bour

ing

syst

ems.

Del

ete

sect

ions

th

at a

re n

ot a

pplic

able

for

your

situ

atio

n.

The

deve

lopm

ent a

nd im

plem

enta

tion

of y

our

bios

ecur

ity p

lan

shou

ld b

e un

dert

aken

in c

onju

nctio

n w

ith fa

rm m

anag

emen

t and

sta

ff. K

eep

the

plan

sim

ple

but fi

t fo

r pu

rpos

e. C

onsi

der

the

cost

of i

mpl

emen

ting

vers

us th

e co

st o

f not

. Som

e ch

ange

s m

ay b

e ca

rrie

d ou

t im

med

iate

ly w

hile

oth

ers

will

take

tim

e, in

cur

finan

cial

co

st a

nd a

lter

how

you

r fa

rm a

nd s

taff

ope

rate

, for

exa

mpl

e, k

eepi

ng n

ew r

ecor

ds, c

hang

ing

infr

astr

uctu

re, i

ntro

duci

ng n

ew p

roce

dure

s, o

r us

ing

new

equ

ipm

ent.

This

will

dep

end

on th

e le

vel o

f ris

k an

d th

e m

itiga

tion

optio

n ch

osen

.

We

enco

urag

e yo

u to

ref

er to

the

tech

nica

l ref

eren

ce d

ocum

ent (

inse

rt li

nk) f

or m

ore

deta

ils a

nd o

ptio

ns to

pre

vent

and

man

age

pest

and

dis

ease

s on

you

r fa

rm.

Gui

delin

esEx

ampl

e m

anag

emen

t pol

icy

How

(e.g

. res

pons

ibili

ty, r

efer

ence

mat

eria

ls, S

OP

s. T

his

can

be a

dapt

ed a

s ap

prop

riat

e)

Stoc

k he

alth

man

agem

ent

Stoc

k he

alth

sho

uld

be m

aint

aine

d to

opt

imum

le

vels

.A

vete

rinar

y he

alth

man

agem

ent p

lan

is d

evel

oped

and

im

plem

ente

dDe

velo

p a

fish/

shel

lfish

hea

lth m

anag

emen

t pla

n w

ith y

our v

eter

inar

ian

and/

or a

quat

ic h

ealth

/bi

osec

urity

pro

fess

iona

l.

Stoc

k m

ovem

ents

and

con

tain

men

t

Only

sto

ck o

f kno

wn

heal

th s

tatu

s sh

ould

be

intr

oduc

ed o

nto

the

farm

. Hea

lth s

tatu

s sh

ould

be

equa

l or b

ette

r tha

n st

ock

alre

ady

pres

ent.

Stoc

k w

ill o

nly

be a

ccep

ted

from

a fa

cilit

y/fa

rm/s

ite w

ith

bios

ecur

ity a

nd h

ealth

man

agem

ent p

lans

, whe

re p

est

and

dise

ase

surv

eilla

nce

is c

arrie

d ou

t (or

follo

win

g ba

tch

cert

ifica

tion)

and

whe

re n

o un

expl

aine

d m

orta

litie

s ha

ve

occu

rred

in th

e la

st 6

mon

ths.

If st

ock

of u

nkno

wn

heal

th s

tatu

s is

to b

e in

trod

uced

(e

.g. w

ild b

rood

stoc

k, s

eed

stoc

k), t

hese

sto

ck s

houl

d be

isol

ated

in s

epar

ate

prod

uctio

n un

its o

r ded

icat

ed

quar

antin

e fa

cilit

ies

whi

le th

eir h

ealth

sta

tus

is

eval

uate

d (e

.g. d

iagn

ostic

test

ing)

.

Unc

ertifi

ed o

r unk

now

n st

atus

sto

ck w

ill b

e he

ld in

a

spec

ialis

ed q

uara

ntin

e fa

cilit

y, w

ith fu

ll se

para

tion

of w

ater

, pe

rson

nel,

equi

pmen

t, fe

ed, e

tc. u

ntil

the

stat

us o

f the

st

ock

can

be a

scer

tain

ed b

y e.

g. in

spec

tion

and

diag

nost

ic

test

ing.

Whe

re it

is c

onsi

dere

d by

you

r bio

secu

rity

advi

sers

th

at a

n un

acce

ptab

le ri

sk s

till e

xist

s, b

rood

stoc

k sh

ould

be

inde

finite

ly q

uara

ntin

ed w

ith th

e ai

m

of p

rodu

cing

pro

geny

that

wou

ld re

plac

e th

at

broo

dsto

ck (e

.g. h

igh-

heal

th o

r spe

cific

pat

hoge

n fr

ee p

roge

ny).

Whe

re s

tock

sta

tus

cann

ot b

e de

term

ined

to b

e ac

cept

able

, st

ock

will

be

held

per

man

ently

in q

uara

ntin

e, w

ith p

roge

ny

activ

ely

test

ed o

ut o

f the

qua

rant

ine.

With

in‑f

arm

sto

ck m

ovem

ents

to a

reas

of e

qual

or

high

er h

ealth

sta

tus

shou

ld o

nly

occu

r fol

low

ing

a do

cum

ente

d co

nsid

erat

ion

of p

est a

nd d

isea

se ri

sks.

Stoc

k w

ill n

ot b

e m

oved

with

in fa

rms

from

are

as o

f hi

gher

risk

to a

reas

of l

ower

risk

, exc

ept w

here

abs

olut

ely

esse

ntia

l and

onl

y af

ter a

writ

ten

risk

asse

ssm

ent a

nd

miti

gatio

n pr

oces

s ha

s be

en c

arrie

d ou

t and

man

agem

ent

is s

atis

fied

the

risks

can

be

succ

essf

ully

miti

gate

d.


Gui

delin

esEx

ampl

e m

anag

emen

t pol

icy

How

(e.g

. res

pons

ibili

ty, r

efer

ence

mat

eria

ls, S

OP

s. T

his

can

be a

dapt

ed a

s ap

prop

riat

e)

Prec

autio

ns s

houl

d be

und

erta

ken

to p

reve

nt th

e w

ithin

farm

spr

ead

of p

ests

, or d

isea

se u

ntil

such

si

tuat

ions

are

reso

lved

.

Outb

reak

s of

pes

t and

/or d

isea

se o

n th

e fa

rm w

ill re

sult

in

an im

med

iate

mov

emen

t sta

ndst

ill o

nto,

with

in o

r off

the

farm

.

Prev

ent s

tock

esc

apes

. H

oldi

ng u

nits

on

the

farm

will

be

appr

opria

tely

des

igne

d an

d m

aint

aine

d to

min

imis

e th

e po

tent

ial f

or e

scap

es.

Wat

er

The

wat

er s

uppl

y sh

ould

be

asse

ssed

for b

iose

curit

y ris

k an

d ap

prop

riate

act

ion(

s) ta

ken.

Inta

ke w

ater

will

be

scre

ened

to p

reve

nt e

ntry

of f

eral

an

imal

s an

d w

ill b

e fil

tere

d an

d st

erili

sed

for s

uppl

y to

se

nsiti

ve li

fe s

tage

s.

Loca

te w

ater

inta

ke a

nd o

utflo

w p

ipes

for l

and-

base

d fa

rms

to a

void

cro

ss‑c

onta

min

atio

n.Ef

fluen

t pip

es w

ill b

e lo

cate

d so

that

dis

char

ge w

ater

doe

s no

t dire

ctly

ent

er in

take

pip

es.

Regu

larl

y m

onito

r and

mai

ntai

n in

fras

truc

ture

that

tr

eats

inco

min

g w

ater

.A

mai

nten

ance

pro

gram

me

will

be

esta

blis

hed

and

follo

wed

fo

r wat

er tr

eatm

ent e

quip

men

t.

Wat

er fl

ow w

ithin

the

farm

sho

uld

min

imis

e th

e po

tent

ial f

or s

prea

d of

pes

ts a

nd d

isea

ses

to

diffe

rent

pro

duct

ion

units

.

Open

sys

tem

farm

s sh

ould

con

side

r epi

dem

iolo

gica

l se

para

tion

of p

opul

atio

ns (e

.g. f

allo

win

g, y

ear c

lass

se

para

tion)

.

Equi

pmen

t, v

ehic

les

and

vess

els

Asse

ss a

ll eq

uipm

ent,

vehi

cles

and

ves

sels

ent

erin

g th

e fa

rm fo

r bio

secu

rity

risk

and

appr

opria

te

actio

n(s)

take

n.

Stan

dard

ope

ratin

g pr

oced

ures

and

ded

icat

ed

infr

astr

uctu

re s

houl

d be

in p

lace

for c

lean

ing

and

disi

nfec

tion

of e

quip

men

t, ve

hicl

es a

nd v

esse

ls.

The

farm

s sh

ould

hav

e de

dica

ted

deliv

ery

and

load

ing

area

s.

Peop

le m

anag

emen

t

Asse

ss a

ll st

aff a

nd v

isito

r acc

ess

to fa

rms

for

bios

ecur

ity ri

sk a

nd a

ppro

pria

te a

ctio

n(s)

take

n.

Man

age

farm

acc

ess

(e.g

. acc

ess

cont

rols

and

si

gnag

e).

All v

isito

rs s

houl

d be

brie

fed

rega

rdin

g on

‑far

m

bios

ecur

ity.

Prev

entiv

e m

easu

res

for p

est a

nd d

isea

se e

ntry

and

sp

read

sho

uld

appl

y to

all

farm

sta

ff an

d vi

sito

rs

(e.g

. ded

icat

ed c

hang

ing

area

s, a

nte

room

s, s

epar

ate

prod

uctio

n ar

eas,

foot

bath

s an

d ha

nd w

ashi

ng

faci

litie

s).



Gui

delin

esEx

ampl

e m

anag

emen

t pol

icy

How

(e.g

. res

pons

ibili

ty, r

efer

ence

mat

eria

ls, S

OP

s. T

his

can

be a

dapt

ed a

s ap

prop

riat

e)

Rest

rict s

taff

and

visi

tor a

cces

s to

sen

sitiv

e ar

eas

(e.g

. bro

odst

ock,

hat

cher

ies,

qua

rant

ine

area

s).

Pro

pert

y m

anag

emen

t

The

farm

sho

uld

have

a c

lear

ly e

stab

lishe

d bi

osec

urity

zon

e (e

.g. s

ecur

e pe

rimet

er fe

ncin

g or

ot

herw

ise

wel

l-de

fined

bou

ndar

y).

Clos

e an

d lo

ck fa

rm e

ntra

nces

to p

reve

nt

unau

thor

ised

ent

ry. L

ock

entr

ance

s du

ring

all n

on‑

visi

tor h

ours

.

Staf

f tra

inin

g an

d ed

ucat

ion

The

farm

sho

uld

have

a n

omin

ated

sta

ff m

embe

r re

spon

sibl

e fo

r ove

rsig

ht o

f on‑

site

bio

secu

rity.

All s

taff

shou

ld u

nder

stan

d th

e fa

rm b

iose

curit

y pl

an

and

thei

r res

pons

ibili

ties

for i

ts im

plem

enta

tion.

Trai

ning

sho

uld

be p

rovi

ded

to s

taff

on th

e as

pect

s of

the

bios

ecur

ity p

lan

(incl

udin

g id

entifi

ed p

est a

nd

dise

ase

risks

) rel

evan

t to

thei

r pos

ition

des

crip

tion.

Feed

and

feed

ing

Asse

ss a

ll fe

eds

ente

ring

the

farm

for b

iose

curit

y ris

k an

d ap

prop

riate

act

ion(

s) ta

ken.

Wild

life,

sca

veng

ers

and

verm

in

Cont

rol o

r exc

lude

pre

dato

rs, w

ildlif

e, v

erm

in a

nd

othe

r org

anis

ms

(e.g

. aqu

atic

life

) fro

m la

nd‑b

ased

sy

stem

s.

Cont

rol,

excl

ude

or p

reve

nt a

ggre

gatio

ns o

f pr

edat

ors,

wild

life,

ver

min

and

oth

er o

rgan

ism

s (e

.g.

aqua

tic li

fe) f

rom

ope

n w

ater

sys

tem

s.

Reco

rd k

eepi

ng

Mai

ntai

n re

cord

s to

trac

e st

ock,

and

thei

r ass

ocia

ted

heal

th s

tatu

s, o

nto,

with

in o

r fro

m th

e fa

rm.

Mai

ntai

n re

cord

s fo

r all

aspe

cts

of th

e bi

osec

urity

pl

an (e

.g. s

taff

trai

ning

, ins

pect

ion

and

mai

nten

ance

of

farm

infr

astr

uctu

re a

nd e

quip

men

t, vi

sito

r log

s).

Was

te m

anag

emen

t

All w

aste

sho

uld

be a

sses

sed

for b

iose

curit

y ris

k to

th

e fa

rm a

nd e

nviro

nmen

t and

app

ropr

iate

act

ion(

s)

take

n.


Gui

delin

esEx

ampl

e m

anag

emen

t pol

icy

How

(e.g

. res

pons

ibili

ty, r

efer

ence

mat

eria

ls, S

OP

s. T

his

can

be a

dapt

ed a

s ap

prop

riat

e)

Cont

ainm

ent,

hand

ling

and

disp

osal

of w

aste

sho

uld

be c

ondu

cted

in a

bio

secu

re m

anne

r.

Aud

itin

g

Cond

uct a

udits

of o

n‑fa

rm b

iose

curit

y pl

ans

and

thei

r im

plem

enta

tion

at re

gula

r pre

scrib

ed in

terv

als.

Cont

inge

ncy

plan

s

The

farm

bio

secu

rity

plan

sho

uld

incl

ude

cont

inge

ncie

s fo

r dire

ct (e

.g. o

utbr

eak)

and

indi

rect

in

cide

nces

(e.g

. sto

rms,

ear

thqu

akes

) tha

t may

in

fluen

ce o

n-fa

rm b

iose

curit

y.

All f

arm

sta

ff sh

ould

be

awar

e of

the

cont

inge

ncy

plan

s an

d un

ders

tand

wha

t to

do in

the

even

t of a

n in

cide

nt.

aquaculture biosecurity handbook

Documents