Preventive measures

Directive 2006/88/EC is focused on disease prevention. It introduces a system of authorisation of aquaculture production businesses and certain processing establishments. To be authorised, they have to comply with certain minimum requirements as regards traceability, implementation of good hygiene practices and risk-based health surveillance. This new system would provide a complete overview of the aquaculture industry which would assist in the prevention, control and eradication of aquatic animal diseases.

Once the aquaculture production businesses and authorised processing establishments are authorised, Member States shall establish a publicly available register. This provision is implemented by Commission Decision 2008/392/EC implementing Council Directive 2006/88/EC as regards an Internet-based information page to make information on aquaculture production businesses and authorised processing establishments available by electronic means.

Another important preventative measure is the obligation for all farms and mollusc farming areas to implement a risk-based surveillance scheme. This scheme aims to detect:

• Increased mortalities;
• Diseases listed in Part II of Annex IV to the Directive.

Commission Decision 2008/896/EC on guidelines for the purpose of the risk-based animal health surveillance schemes provided for in Council Directive 2006/88/EC ensures a consistent approach amongst Member States in this regard.