Biosecurity guidance for Aquaculture Production Business
Updated 16 April 2025
Applies to England and Wales
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biosecurity-guidance-for-the-prevention-of-aquatic-diseases/biosecurity-guidance-for-aquaculture-production-business
Under The Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 all authorised APBs must have and adhere to a Biosecurity Measures Plan (BMP) to reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread to, within and from the site. All BMPs must be approved by the FHI Cefas, who carry out annual inspections to monitor compliance with conditions of authorisation (including BMPs).
Fish Health Inspectors will assess whether the risks identified and the risk limitation measures in place are appropriate, and the plan can be approved.
The use of appropriate disinfectants for footbaths and general disinfection is encouraged, along with area and site-specific clothing and equipment with disinfection facilities between each discrete area of the site. Disinfection facilities should be in place for all visitors to the site. All vehicles entering the site should be adequately cleaned and disinfected upon entry and exit to the fish farm.
Disinfection of eggs and larvae - Eggs that are transferred from other farms should be disinfected regardless of whether there is reliable information of whether a farm is infected or not as a precaution.
The only currently authorised product for fish egg disinfectant is Buffodine, produced by Evans Vanodine (authorised biocide: UK-2019-1172). Usage is 10 minutes immersion of a 1% solution (100ml/10litres of water) once eggs have been cleaned from milt. For imports/exports, eggs should be treated prior and post import, this should also be extended to movements of eggs outside of water catchments/rivers.