Transparency data

FISH HEALTH INSPECTORATE ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2018

Updated 28 March 2019

Applies to England and Wales

1. Fish Health

The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) completed statutory compliance and disease surveillance inspections on all fish farms in England and Wales. The level of compliance with legislative requirements by the industry is exceptionally high. Most non-compliances were minor in nature and associated with administrative issues, which were resolved through the provision of advice. No finfish businesses were prosecuted for non-compliance in 2018. The health status of fish farms in England and Wales in both the salmonid sector and the coarse fish sectors remains high. Surveillance programmes have found no evidence of listed diseases in fish farming. Risk based surveillance on imported live fish and fish ova has continued with no listed diseases detected.

As a part of our statutory duties the FHI is responsible for investigating new and emerging diseases in fish and shellfish. The Inspectorate undertakes initial field- based investigations and sampling of affected animals for diagnostic testing. This is followed by a case conference between the Inspectorate and Cefas researchers, where decisions are made on the direction of any further work and on whether information on the condition should be escalated to the Defra policy lead for aquatic animal health. As far as the salmonid sector is concerned, the FHI has received fewer reports of disease over recent years, possibly reflecting the trend towards lower stocking densities on farms and adequate water supplies. However, novel conditions occasionally arise as exemplified by occurrence of what appears to be a new condition, cranial maxilla fibrosis in a rainbow trout farm in southern England. This condition, which is currently of unknown aetiology, causes massive proliferation of connective tissue around the head of affected fish, compromising the ability to feed and breathe effectively. Further research is underway to establish the causative agent of this condition.

The value of the long-standing targeted surveillance programme on live fish imported from third countries was again demonstrated through the identification of a new virus affecting goldfish. The programme involves the testing of fish for the presence of diseases at the point of import, or at first destination, and is based upon a risk assessment, with samples prioritised according to volume of trade and the previous history of disease testing. In 2018, a consignment of goldfish imported from China was subjected to diagnostic testing, with initial results indicating the presence of a viral infection. Molecular genetics tests were undertaken, along with the use of transmission electron microscopy, to visualise the virus. Gene sequencing of the virus demonstrated a 99% shared nucleotide identity with Chinook salmon Bafinivirus. This is the first time that this genus of virus has been found in goldfish. Research is underway to further characterise the virus, establish host susceptibility, and virulence in native species of fish.

The FHI also has a statutory duty to respond to reported disease outbreaks. The FHI received a report of suspicion of the disease epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in a consignment of snakeheads (Channa aurantimaclata and Channa spp.) imported from India. EUS is a fungal disease caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces invadans. It has been reported as causing disease in over 100 different fish species in both fresh and brackish waters, primarily in tropical and semi-tropical environments. The disease expresses as extensive granulomatous ulceration of the skin at water temperatures more than 20°C. Samples taken from infected fish were positive for A.invadans, which, combined with the clinical disease, confirmed EUS. The affected stocks, that experienced high levels of mortality, were culled and the holding facility disinfected. This is the first confirmation of EUS in the UK. EUS was listed as an exotic disease in European Union legislation under Council Directive 2006/88/EC, and as such member states had an obligation to control and eradicate any outbreaks. However, following a study by the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) which concluded that the disease would be of low impact to European aquaculture, EUS was removed from the listed diseases in 2012. The geographical range of EUS has increased in recent years, which may possibly be linked with global warming. The FHI will continue to monitor the occurrence of EUS and investigate suspicion in imported fish, in order to provide evidence on whether the disease presents a threat to native fish populations.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease continues to represent a serious cause of mortality in common carp in managed fisheries. The exceptional period of dry, warm weather in May and June 2018 resulted in an earlier peak in disease investigations on coarse fisheries, as compared with the usual pattern of Inspectorate activity. However, at 26 the total number of Confirmed Designations made on managed fisheries in 2018 was high but not exceptional. Unusually 3 out of the 2018 infected waters that were previously subjected to a Confirmed designation, and 1 water, which was designated in 2017 experienced a recrudescence of infection.

Outbreaks of KHV disease in the ornamental fish sector appear to be less frequent than in the past. However, three wholesaler premises were culled and disinfected following outbreaks of the disease during the summer period, and in December two further wholesaler premises were culled and disinfected following an outbreak of KHV disease associated with the import of high-value koi from Japan. As these fish were imported with health attestations indicating they originated from farms that were recognised as being free from KHV disease, the Japanese authorities were informed and asked to undertake an investigation.

Defra and the FHI are required to document and maintain disease contingency plans to ensure preparedness for a serious aquatic animal disease outbreak. These are tested every 2 years through a desk-based contingency exercise, involving a wide range of participants. These include the FHI, Defra, the devolved administrations, the Environment Agency (EA), other Government departments, and trade organisations, such as the British Trout Association (BTA). A contingency exercise took place in February 2018, that was designed to test lines of communication between participants. This was followed by a lessons-learned process whereby areas for improvement were identified and actioned. As a result of this exercise a comprehensive review of the FHI contingency plans will take place in 2019.

2. Shellfish Health

Disease surveillance programmes in the shellfish sector indicated that infection with the listed protozoan parasites Bonamia ostreae and Marteilia refringens remains stable with no additional geographical spread of infection. B.ostreae continues to affect the main native oyster Ostreae edulis growing areas, and is a contributory factor in limiting the progress of native oyster regeneration schemes. M.refringens is restricted to infection in edible mussel Mytilus edulis populations in a single estuary system. In addition, infection with ostreid herepesvirus microvariant (OsHV-1 µvar) also remains stable with no new disease outbreaks in 2018.

Bonamia ostreae has infected native oyster Ostreae edulis populations in many harvesting areas in England since its first detection in the River Fal estuary in 1982. Disease investigations resulting from reports of mortalities in the Solent oyster restoration project indicated that B.ostreae continues to influence population levels of native oysters. Statutory compliance across the shellfish aquaculture sector remains high, with few non-compliances identified, all of which were resolved through advice. There were no prosecutions of shellfish farms in 2018.

The edible cockle Cerastoderma edule is a commercially important shellfish in several areas around the UK, including in the estuaries of South Wales. Researchers at the University of Aberystwyth undertaking a study of Irish and Welsh cockle populations for parasites using molecular genetic methodologies reported the possible presence of the protozoan parasite Marteilia cochillia. In addition, the researcher reported the presence of gaping cockles when undertaking field sampling. Whilst M.cochillia is not listed by the OIE, or in European aquatic animal health legislation, it has been associated with large scale mortalities of cockles in three Spanish estuaries. Periodic mass mortalities of cockles have been reported in the UK and in Europe for many years. The wide range of parasites that naturally occur in cockles are thought to contribute to the mortalities. However, the FHI will continue to undertake disease surveillance in cockle populations across England and Wales in order to establish the extent and impact of infection with M.cochillia.

The FHI received fewer reports of mortalities in bivalve molluscs in 2018. However, work is continuing into the role of bacteria of the genus Vibrio as a cause of mortality in shellfish. French researchers consider that Vibrio aestuarianus is an important pathogen of Pacific oysters. Sampling shellfish for the presence of bacterial infections is challenging due to the wide range of microbiological flora found naturally in the marine environment. The FHI has refined a technique for taking samples from the haemolymph of shellfish that will improve the potential to isolate disease producing organisms. This technique will be applied as a standard practice in investigations into disease events.

Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (B.sal) is an emerging pathogenic fungus that causes high levels of mortality in amphibians of the order Caudata (salamanders and newts). It has caused mortalities in wild salamanders in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, and has been recorded in captive populations of newts in the UK. B.sal was subject to an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that the pathogen presented a serious risk to populations of salamanders in the European Union. In 2018, the European Commission published Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/320, which introduced control measures on trade in salamanders and newts. Following deliberations by Defra policy leads, and consultations with trade bodies, the FHI was asked to undertake the operational delivery of the controls on salamanders and newts. The trade controls require that imports from third countries are quarantined, with options for PCR testing, heat treatment, or chemical treatment of the animals. Trade between member states requires that the animals are quarantined prior to despatch. Trade controls were fully implemented in September 2018. To date there have been no applications made to the FHI for the approval of premises for the quarantine of salamanders and newts.

3. Advice, Representation and Better Regulation

Aquaculture Production Businesses in England and Wales have a high level of legislative compliance. In 2018, 21 warning letters and 10 enforcement notices were issued mainly for failure to comply with conditions of a confirmed designation. In addition, 92 notices under the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 were issued to authorised importers associated with trade anomalies, with an additional 15 warning letters, and no enforcement notices served. This represents a significant reduction in enforcement actions on this sector as compared with previous years.

The FHI Aquatic Technical Trade and Advice (ATTA) team provides an advice and application service to stakeholders. In 2018, the team responded to 2,444 telephone enquiries and 10,942 letter and email enquiries. In addition, 416 movement document applications were processed, and 623 authorisation and registration applications were completed.

The FHI use a monthly survey called ‘Customer Thermometer’ to assess stakeholders’ views of the quality of service provided. This is an electronic system of obtaining feedback. A total of 2,490 stakeholders were invited to respond to the survey with a 66% response rate. Of the responses received, 87% rated the FHI service as excellent and 12% as good.

The FHI Facebook page was launched in 2015. Engagement with stakeholders has increased significantly and it currently has over 3,900 followers. In 2018, the total number of views on the FHI page was 38,524, the Facebook page has been engaged on other newsfeeds 14,516 times, and the FHI enforcement video has been viewed 98,970 times.

Members of the FHI have provided support to Defra on behalf of the UK in negotiations on the new ‘Animal Health Law’ Regulation (EU) 2016/429, including providing technical support at Commission working groups. In 2018, a series of workshops took place on the critical delegated and implementing acts that provide the essential detail on animal health controls before the Regulations are applied in 2021. The UK has made significant progress during the workshops in ensuring that the new Regulations will maintain and improve aquatic animal health provisions across the EU.

The Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the world organisation for animal health sets the standards for international trade in both terrestrial animals and aquatic animals through the publication of codes of practice. These codes are revised and updated on an annual basis. A representative of the FHI acts as the UK National Focal Point to the OIE on aquatic animal health. She attended the 86th General Session and World Assembly of the OIE, a forum that will become increasingly important to the UK in facilitating international trade once the UK leaves the EU.

The FHI has supported Defra throughout 2018 in the provision of advice on the transposition of EU regulations into UK law, and in the preparation of a submission to the European Commission on the UK aquatic animal health regulatory framework as part of an application for recognition of third country status post EU-exit. Recent work has focussed upon operational readiness in the event of EU exit under a no-deal scenario.

Fish Health Inspectors have delivered presentations on various aspects of aquatic animal health at a variety of conferences and meetings including those organised by the Fish Veterinary Society, the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, the British Trout Association, the Angling Trust, and the European Association of Fish Pathologists. In addition, the FHI attended several trade events to promote good biosecurity practice with stakeholders.

4. Priorities for 2019

The FHI has identified the following as priority areas for 2019:

• ensuring operational preparedness across the FHI for EU exit.
• a comprehensive revision of aquatic animal health contingency plans to ensure compatibility with those of the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
• ensure that England and Wales aquatic animal health contingency plans meet Welsh language requirements.
• contribute to technical workshops on the European Union’s animal health regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/429) until EU-exit, in order to protect and improve legislative provisions.
• promote the electronic live fish movements web service across the aquaculture sector in England and Wales.