The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) maintains a resource tracking the federal government’s assessment of selected aquatic animal pathogens and the health status of U.S. aquatic animal populations. The Aquatic Animal Health Status Reviews page provides information that may be useful to California aquaculture producers, particularly those involved in fish and shellfish production.
APHIS conducts annual reviews using aggregated, anonymous pathogen-testing data collected with public and private partners. The assessments also consider relevant regulations, surveillance capabilities, and oversight measures that support aquatic animal health.
The current resource includes completed national assessments for several pathogens, including epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) and salmonid alphavirus (SAV) in fish, as well as pathogens affecting mollusks. APHIS also identifies other pathogens for which the United States has presumed freedom status, a designation based on an absence of reports rather than a completed formal evaluation. These processes comply with WOAH guidelines for freedom claims for countries and zones. APHIS is currently piloting an approach to State or regional designations.
Why it matters to California producers
Aquatic animal health affects farm productivity, operating costs, animal movement, and market access. Federal health-status assessments provide useful context for understanding how disease surveillance and testing contribute to broader efforts to protect U.S. aquaculture.
Producers should continue to maintain appropriate on-farm biosecurity practices, monitor stock health, work with qualified aquatic animal health professionals, and follow applicable disease-reporting and animal-movement requirements. A national health-status designation does not replace farm-level testing or guarantee that individual facilities are free of disease.
Explore the resource: USDA APHIS Aquatic Animal Health Status Reviews
Questions about the program can be directed to the APHIS Veterinary Services Aquaculture Health Team at vs.sp.asep.aquaculture@usda.gov.
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