HACCP Workshops on VHS and Biosecurity
May 6 and June 17, 2010
2 NCRAC funded HACCP Workshops on VHS and Biosecurity will be offered. Sponsors include USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, Iowa State University-CFSPH, Michigan State University, Michigan Sea Grant, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point/ NADF, and Wisconsin Aquaculture Association.
The focus of these workshops is to develop specific fish disease HACCP plans for each facility, representing 3 production systems (flow-through, pond, and recirculation).
By using biosecurity principles in the aquaculture industry, the risk of VHS introduction and spread to NCR fish farms will be reduced and these will serve to protect these farms against a number of other fish disease pathogens. One approach to this problem is to apply the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) concept similar to that used by the seafood industry to minimize seafood consumption health risks. The advantages of this system are that it can effectively deal with a diverse industry, it has proven to be a good partnership between industry and government regulators, and it is effective when properly applied.
The HACCP approach concentrates on the points in the process that are critical to the safety of the product, and minimizes. Utilizing cooperation between industry representatives, resource management agencies, and other AIS experts, the AIS-HACCP approach will reduce the risk that AIS will be established in new locations while maintaining the economic viability of the baitfish and aquaculture industries. This can therefore provide a means of obtaining AIS-free certification and instill confidence in the public that stocking programs and aquaculture facilities are conducting activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
The 3 plans that will result from these workshops will be developed and distributed for other aquaculture facilities to use. A fish farm biosecurity video will also be developed from these workshops and be available.
Who should attend: Current and prospective fish farmers, state, federal and tribal hatchery technicians and veterinarians or anyone with an interest in aquaculture and reducing biosecurity risks
Cost: The registration for the HACCP Workshops on VHS & Biosecurity is $15/person
Location: Various host farms throughout the NCRAC region. See brochure for details.
Biosecurity Brochure
Contacts: For additional information on the workshop and registration please contact
Cindy Johnson 715-373-2990 or cindy@WisconsinAquaculture.com
Author: R. Clayton
Date: 2/8/2010