Aquatic Animal Health Inspection in West Virginia: pathogen results, producer feedback and service costs

• Published in: Journal of applied aquaculture Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 103 - 116
• Main Authors: Bebak-Williams, J, Baya, A.M, Huang, J.C, Semmens, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2005
• Subjects: Aeromonas salmonicida; animal health; bacterial infections; biosecurity; cost analysis; farmer attitutudes; farmers' attitudes; fish culture; fish diseases; fish farms; fish health inspection; Fish health inspection (FHI); Freshwater; Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus; inspection costs; Myxobolus cerebralis; plant and animal inspection; protozoal infections; Salmonidae; West Virginia; USA, West Virginia
• ISSN: 1045-4438; 1545-0805
• DOI: 10.1300/J028v17n03_08

In 2001 and 2002, West Virginia (WV) salmonid producers were offered free fish health inspection services (FHI). The objectives were to educate farmers about the value of farm biosecurity and of fish health inspection, estimate the number of WV salmonid farms positive for seven pathogens, estimate the per farm cost of FHI, and survey private producers regarding experience with, and attitudes toward, the FHI. Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, Myxobolus cerebralisand Aeromonas salmonicida were identified at WV farms. Cost of inspection was $3,000 to $5,000 per farm. A significant portion of the cost was associated with travel and with identification of Myxobolus cerebralis. Farmers understood the value of FHI as part of a biosecurity plan and did not view it as simply an annoying regulatory requirement.