The success of aquaculture depends on minimizing the impacts of disease producing organisms. This, requires (a) rapid detection and control of pathogens as they appear, (b) anticipation of problems resulting from pathogens before they occur and, (c) managing around pathogens when they become established and intractable. The goal is to reduce loss that results in economic harm to the aquafarmer by establishing an infrastructure of support to the aquaculture industry similar to that enjoyed by traditional forms of agriculture. Without support provided by a combination of both public and private assistance, aquaculture within the state could be seriously deterred in its becoming a viable economic asset to the State of Maryland.

The proposed infrastructure consists of the following levels, each of which involves delivery of fish health services and the transfer of pertinent information. Briefly, each level is as follows:

1. First response: The best first response is performed by an individual familiar with the history of the facility. This individual collects and records pertinent information and samples. These can be submitted to the appropriate laboratories for analysis.
2. Follow-up: Performed by trained aquatic animal health inspector with an emphasis on rapid and accurate response.
3. Health Care Maintenance: Many facilities benefit from long term monitoring and management of life support systems.
4. Epidemiology: Epidemiologic surveys should be anticipated to control general or regional outbreaks of significant disease.

After initial problem identification by facility personnel, a rapid response is crucial to resolution of the problem. It is important to note that the chances of identifying the causes of an outbreak are improved if pertinent information is gathered and recorded. This includes: (a) exact location, time of observation, and name of observer (b) water quality parameters, (c) observations and fish behavior, (d) history, and (e) collection of samples. These are furthered detailed in Appendix I-1.

The provider of follow-up services is a properly trained aquatic animal health inspector, veterinarian or fish pathologist. The follow-up provider receives pertinent information and samples as described in Appendix I-1, performs timely analyses, and provides recommendations to the facility regarding treatment (veterinary prescribed), correction or prevention, or requests epidemiological studies.

Some of the important factors in health care maintenance are as follows: (a) water quality management and monitoring, (b) biosecurity and sanitary measures, (c) fish stocking and management, and (d) good record keeping. These factors also contribute toward certifying aquatic animal health for interstate and international shipment and designated oyster recovery areas. These factors are described in Appendix I-2.

If reportable diseases are diagnosed (as defined under Implementation Plan - Proposed Regulations To Implement The Policy - Aquatic Animal Health Regulation section .03, Appendices II and III), the diagnostician will report the information directly to the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Depending on the nature and severity of the outbreak, both state departments can conduct epidemiological surveys of wild and cultured stocks (public and private). At the completion of the study, the respective departmental officials will take the steps necessary for further quarantine and/or depopulation which would facilitate control or eradication of the disease. If control is not possible, a management plan would be put into effect to minimize the impact of the pathogen.