February 12, 2007

Aquaculture Fish Necropsy and Inspection Techniques Short Course - March 17, 2007

Objective of the Course: This one-day short course will teach veterinarians proper techniques of fish necropsy, tissue samples collection and preparation for diagnostic testing, to meet new USDAAPHIS regulations for the interstate transportation of fish species.

Background: In October 2006, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a Federal Order, restricting the movement of many commercially valuable aquaculture species, due to concerns about the potential spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) from wild fish populations into aquaculture facilities. The Federal Order applies to the eight states surrounding the Great Lakes (including Ohio) and two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Quebec). Any shipments of fish species listed by APHIS as VHS-susceptible will need to have diagnostic testing performed on tissue samples, to determine if the group is VHS-free, prior to shipment. Aquaculture farmers are required to have either an Accredited Veterinarian, or certified American Fisheries Society Fish Health Inspector, perform the health inspection and collection of samples for shipment to diagnostic laboratories. More information about VHS, and the APHIS Federal Order, can be obtained at the APHIS website, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/.

Ohio, as well as surrounding states in the region that are affected by this order, have very few veterinarians available that are familiar with aquaculture, fish health, and fish necropsy. Ohio alone has over 200 licensed aquaculture operations that export fish shipments multiple times throughout the year. Under current APHIS regulations, these shipments will need to be pre-inspected and tested for VHS. Therefore, Aquaculture operations in the Great Lakes states are in need of increased veterinary support.

The course will be led by Dr. Andy Goodwin, Chief Fish Pathologist, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and current President of the American Fisheries Society Fish Health Chapter. Mr. Geoff Wallat, Ohio State University Aquaculture Specialist, will be assisting with the course, and Dr. Tony Forshey, Acting State Veterinarian, will provide updates on Ohio regulations for fish importation and fish health.

Course Schedule: Saturday, March 17, 2007

Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location: Ohio Department of Agriculture Animal Disease and Diagnostic Lab

8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399

Phone: (614) 728-6220 or Toll Free: 1-800-282-1955

Map: http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/imgs/oda/ODA-MapDirections.gif

Registration Cost: $40 per person, limited to the first 40 paid registrants

Continuing Education credits have been requested

Tentative Course Outline

9:00—9:30 am Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:30—10:30 am Ohio Aquaculture Overview Geoff Wallat

- Aquaculture species raised in Ohio and the Midwest

- Culture systems used

- Imports and Exports: Foodfish, sportfish, baitfish species

- Who imports and exports: Wholesale dealers, retailers, pay lake fishing

10:30—12:00 pm Fish Health Regulations Dr. Andy Goodwin

Dr. Tony Forshey

Geoff Wallat

- Agencies that make and enforce fish health rules

Interstate

National

International

- Basic Inspection Plans

Farm vs. Lot: Definitions, Advantages, Disadvantages

How many fish?

Which fish?

How often?

What season?

Who collects the samples?

Who does the tests?

Reporting responsibilities

Current state laws: Examples

12:00—12:30 pm Lunch Break, Box Lunch Provided

12:30—1:30 pm USDA-APHIS and VHS Dr. Andy Goodwin

a) Understanding the Emergency Rule

b) Complying with the Emergency Rule

c) Understanding the Interim Rule

d) Complying with the Interim Rule

1:30—4:30 pm Fish and Fish Farm Inspection Methods Dr. Andy Goodwin

a) Fish Identification

b) Efficient collection and handling

c) Shipping intact fish to the lab

d) Necropsy and organ collection

e) Handling and shipping organs to the lab

f) Finding a lab and Lab Fees

4:30— 5:00 pm Final Wrap Up, Q and A session

Aquaculture Fish Necropsy

and Inspection Techniques Short Course

Saturday, March 17, 2007—9:00 am to 5:00 pm

REGISTRATION FORM

Ohio Department of Agriculture

8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399

Phone: (614) 728-6220 or Toll Free: 1-800-282-1955

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________

Email: (optional) _____________________________________________________

RSVP BY MARCH 9, 2007

Make Check Payable to:

Ohio Department of Agriculture

Cost of Course—$40.00

Mail Registration and Check to:

Ohio Department of Agriculture – Animal Industry

Attn: Cindy Bodie

Animal Disease and Diagnostic Lab

8995 East Main Street

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399

OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is

committed to ensuring that all educational programs

conducted by Ohio State University Extension are

available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis

without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or

expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation,

national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith,

Associate Vice President, Agricultural Administration

and Director, OSU Extension