Project Summary
Aquaculture in the U.S. continues to be the fastest growing segment of agriculture with annual increases in production averaging 17% (value of sale) and frequently, market demand exceeds production.
- Live fish are transported in great numbers throughout the U.S.
- Introduction of diseased fish can lead to severe losses on fish farms.
- Introduction of infectious diseases by trade of infected fish presents a major risk to aquaculture.
During the annual meeting of the Aquaculture Risk Management Project in 2002, stakeholders and experts representing the four aquaculture sectors identified disease as the greatest risk factor of economic concern in fish farming. Consequently, the program earmarked funds to study fish disease prevention and control and to create educational and outreach programs.
Recent events in fish health and disease detection has shown that producers are at the forefront of disease management and often suffer most when newly emerging diseases impact the industry through detection and regulation (VHS in 2006). Educating producers on disease prevention and control can help them reduce disease risks and protect their economic investment. For this reason, we propose to develop an online fish health training program for producers, providing them with relevant risk assessment and management principles and practices to reduce losses due to fish diseases. These modules should be developed, narrated, reviewed, revised, and published in an easy to access online format for producers. We intend to include modules demonstrating the appropriate preparedness, action, and assistance that producers can take when diseases are a concern at their fish farm and use current diseases of concern as relevant examples. The modules will include discussion of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS), Spring Viremia of Carp (SVC), Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV), and Heterosporis. Producers who complete the online training can receive a certificate of completion. Also, the knowledge gained by producers completing the course will help them be better prepared to work with veterinarians and fish health specialists on disease concerns on the farm.
Objectives
To develop an online Fish Health Certificate Program for producers, providing them with relevant risk assessment and management principles and practices to reduce losses due to fish diseases and set up mechanisms to collect data on the impact of the training on the individual fish operations and the industry in general.
Duration: 2 Years (September 1, 2008-August 31, 2010)
Participants
Jeanette McDonald-University of Wisconsin-Madison
Myron Kebus-WI DATCP
Chris Hartleb-University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points
Glenda Dvorak-Iowa State University
Project Outline
Deliverables
Online Fish Health Certificate Program for Producers-Northern Aquaculture
Award Amount
$50,505
Award Number
2007-38500-18469 (Year 1), $25,959
2008-38500-19157 (Year 2), $24,546