On a daily basis our industry moves fish, invertebrates and plants across international frontiers and within countries between fish farmers, collectors, wholesalers and retailers.
The fish and plants we move may carry viruses, bacteria and larger organisms, such as fungi, nematodes and crustacea. History has shown that most of these are apparently harmless. And of course ornamental fish are kept in closed systems (aquariums/ponds) so issues are contained and pose negligible risks. But those hitchhikers can cause problems, albeit thankfully rarely. So it is essential that our industry takes its responsibilities over the issue of biosecurity very seriously.
Our Biosecurity and the ornamental aquatics industry document provides advice and guidance on how UK businesses can improve their biosecurity. Our aim is to help all businesses within the industry to make informed decisions on how to minimise the biosecurity risks within their business from disease and invasive species.
We have also created a Biosecurity Risk Assessment Took which is an easy way for businesses to look at their approach to biosecurity and get guidance on how to improve it. Used in conjunction with our Biosecurity document, this will help businesses improve what they do.
And don’t forget to check out our City & Guilds accredited Invasive Non-Native Species & Biosecurity module which is suitable for anyone working in retail shops and also pond consultants and fishkeepers. It is a Foundation level course suitable for those new to the subject or who wish to improve their knowledge.
Good biosecurity is good for business because it improves animal welfare, it prevents damage to native ecosystems and it reduces losses among livestock.