Fish farm improvements to reduce risks of fish disease

UK - The Environment Agency has carried out a series of improvements at Leyland Fish Farm in Lancashire following the discovery of antibodies to tench rhabdovirus.

The antibodies, which indicate that fish have been exposed to the viral disease during their lifetime, were found in summer 2004. All ponds were cleaned and disinfected and stocks were destroyed humanely as a precaution.

Production of fish re-started last year and over the last six months the Environment Agency has been carrying out improvements to prevent diseases entering the farm.

The changes include the creation of an enclosed hatchery site to improve biosecurity and health and safety. The site has been fenced off and visitors will only be able to access it via a new entrance cabin where they will be required to sign in and change their footwear.

A changing cabin has been introduced in the broodstock area and wash areas have been created for vehicle disinfection. The site has also been split into separate coloured zones to prevent cross-contamination.

Source: FishUpdate