The FAO inter-regional TCP project TCP/INT/3501 "Strengthening biosecurity governance and capacities for dealing with the serious shrimp infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) disease" has the overall goal of strengthening institutional biosecurity governance for dealing with IMNV of whiteleg shrimp in selected countries (Brazil, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand). IMNV is an OIE-listed disease that was first observed in Brasil; Indonesia and very recently India are the other two countries currently positive for IMNV. The final workshop of this TCP being held from 2-5 November 2017, in Qingdao, China in collaboration with the National Fisheries Technology Extension Center (NFTEC) and the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (YSFRI) is aimed to: (i) present the outcomes of the Emergency Preparedness and Response System (EPRS) Audit, FAO self-assessment survey, and IMNV disease strategy manual; (ii) discuss the results of the IMNV surveillance and analysis of data; (iii) discuss through working group re: IMNV management and IMNV disease outbreak investigation; (iv) do laboratory work on IMNV diagnostics (IMNV PCR, histopathology); and (v) discuss the way forward. The Opening session was graced by Ms Qingli, Director of Disease Prevention and Control Department of NFTEC; Mr Feng Zhang, Deputy Director of NFTEC and Mr Xianshi Jin, Director of Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute. Some 28 participants (Brasil: 2, Ecuador: 2; Indonesia: 2; Mexico: 1; Thailand: 2; China: 18; and FAO resource experts from Australia, Chile, USA and 1 translator) are in attendance. Mr Feng Zhang in his opening remarks hoped that "with the platform of the this FAO inter-regional TCP project and the Belt and Road Initiative, we can deepen our exchange with foreign experts, share epidemic prevention and control technologies and management experiences, especially solutions to the sustainable development of shrimp culture industry, so as to work together to achieve green and healthy development of this industry".

ABSTRACT
This issue of FAN contains an invited editorial on considerations related to nutrition and aquaculture vision for the future and four main sections on: (1) Global aquaculture updates with an article from statistician's desk presenting some considerations on collection of aquaculture statistics; one contribution from the fish health specialist on Tilapia Lake Virus (TLV). Three articles on important events particularly, Outcomes of the COFI- Sub-Committee on Fish Trade; Participation of FAO at the World Aquaculture Society 2017; and Conference-Dialogue on Blue Growth. (2) Aquaculture updates by region provides information on ongoing projects, activities and events by region particularly: four articles for Asia-Pacific; two articles for Europe; two articles for the Near East and North Africa; three articles for Latin America and the Caribbean; five articles for Sub-Saharan Africa. (3) There are four thematic articles on the following subjects: (i) Advancing sustainable aquaculture through Blue Growth; (ii) The impact of microplastic on food safety; (iii) Aquaculture in Small Islands Development States; and (iv) Aquaculture growth potential: short-term projection of fish demand. (4) Miscellaneous section contains three articles with the following titles: (i) Updates on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and (ii) Summary of the National Aquaculture Sector Overview of Morocco. The three last sections focus on new staff profiles in the FAO Aquaculture Branch, new FAO aquaculture publications and Calendar of events.

PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i7851e.pdf

Information: V. Crespi

The CWP Subject Groups - Aquaculture (CWP-AS) and Fisheries (CWP-FS) met in June 2016 to address matters related with the intersessional program for each Subject Group. The meeting reviewed the progress made since the Twenty-fifth session of the CWP and agreed on the actions for the second part of the intersessional period prior to the upcoming Twentysixth session of the CWP to be held prior to February 2019.

Full report here

Télécharger l'annonce UTAP FR  (PDF)

Télécharger la fiche de projet finale 2016 (PDF)

Télécharger les critères de sélection finaux 2016 (PDF)

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One of the most serious pathogen groups causing devastating effects to cultured species in aquaculture are bacterial pathogens. However, not so much attention is given to this group because they rarely act as primary pathogens but rather most commonly as opportunistic pathogens on already damaged or severely immunocompromised hosts and there are treatment regimens available.

The third WriteShop related to a publication Responsible Management of Bacterial Diseases in Aquaculture was held in Putrajaya from 3-5 August 2017. This publication will provide the impetus to the anticipated actions that governments are taking particularly in the development of National Action Plans (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) - one of the strategies that underpins any intervention that will lead to reducing the development of AMR. It is essential to understand bacteria - they are the oldest life form on earth. They have survived 4 billion years because they have a remarkable ability to adapt to changes in their environment and since they are protean - they are mutable, flexible, versatile, adaptable and capable of adopting many forms. A good understanding as to how bacteria cause disease provides opportunities to manage the host, and use alternative treatments as well as effectively target key virulence factors for vaccines.

Some 38 pathogens belonging to six gram-negative and four gram-positive bacteria were considered as causing major bacterial diseases of cultured finfish, crustaceans and molluscs in fresh and marine waters. The selection of bacterial pathogens were based on a set of criteria developed by the experts, namely: (1) economic importance of affected species (2) socio-economic impact (3) zoonotic potential.

Important lessons in the past on the use of antibiotics to treat bacteria include essential considerations such as, e.g.: treatment should be based on correct diagnosis (i.e. antibiotics will work only against bacterial diseases); use antibiotics only when it is necessary, prudent and rational; antibiotic use should be used effectively and efficiently and be administered by a recognized professional; absence of susceptibility testing for the target bacterium is not good practice, imprudent and a waste of resources. Development of educational materials on prudent use, technical support for industry and aquatic animal health professionals and other stakeholders - is an urgent priority. It is hoped that this publication will serve this purpose.