The lack of scientific evidence to support the development of effluent limitations guidelines for aquatic animal pathogens

Abstract

The biological significance of aquatic animal pathogens in effluents is unknown. In general, most of these pathogens existed in aquatic populations either prior to or in the absence of aquaculture. Huge gaps exist in our knowledge regarding pathogen distribution in the environment, the environmental fate of pathogens and host susceptibility in aquatic ecosystems. There are no reliable, standardized or validated methods for testing effluents for aquatic animal pathogens. There are internationally accepted analytical methods available to qualify and/or quantify aquatic animal pathogens in tissues. These methods are used in regulatory control programs to limit the introduction of important fish pathogens into new regions. Federal, state, and tribal pathogen control programs have existed for many years. The goal of these programs is to prevent the introduction of significant fish pathogens into the United States, specific states, regions or facilities. These regulatory control programs have been successful at limiting the introduction of important fish pathogens. Additionally, there are health management strategies to minimize the occurrence and impact of disease if it does occur, including the use of vaccines. However, there are currently no consistently used practices to control the discharge of aquatic animal pathogens in effluents of commercial or public aquaculture facilities if pathogens do occur. The most cost-effective way to effectively limit the impact of significant aquatic animal pathogens is to prevent their introduction into facilities.