August 3, 2023

 

Singapore aquaculture farms can get free advice and subsidised service on disease management

 

Aquaculture farms in Singapore now have access to the Aquatic Animal Health Services (AAHS) by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which provides free professional advice and subsidised service to assist them in managing diseases, The Straits Times reported.

 

The initiative comes as Singapore pursues its goal of producing 30% of its nutritional requirements domestically by 2030, with a focus on seafood due to its efficient protein source nature, especially beneficial for a land-scarce nation.

 

Given the vulnerabilities of farmed aquatic animals to diseases in local waters, such as the scale drop disease virus, which recently halted commercial production at Singapore's sole fish farm operator, the AAHS aims to mitigate these challenges. The programme involves collaboration with veterinary consultancy service VetTrust Singapore, which will offer expertise and manpower for AAHS.

 

Through AAHS, the SFA aims to gather disease-related data and insights into biosecurity practices across various farming regions. This information will contribute to comprehensive planning and resource allocation to support Singapore's aquaculture sector.

 

Dr Astrid Yeo, senior director of SFA's Regulatory Standards and Veterinary Office, highlighted the importance of the service for the sustainability of marine aquaculture and ensuring a reliable supply of safe seafood. She encouraged more farms to utilise AAHS for enhancing biosecurity and management practices.

 

Among the participating farms is Goh Marine Fishery, whose director, Kelvin Tang, said there are benefits of early disease identification to minimise fish mortality. He stressed that the service provides valuable assistance that might be financially burdensome if sought independently.

 

AAHS covers health screening through laboratory diagnostic analyses during consultations, disease investigations, and result interpretation. SFA will fund two consultations per farm annually in the first two years and one consultation per year for the subsequent two years. Additionally, farms will receive one disease investigation annually throughout the four-year period.

 

Each funded consultation and investigation can last up to three hours. Costs beyond the funded services, including extended consultations, veterinary drugs, chemicals, vaccines, and transportation, will be borne by the farms.

 

Dr Han Zi Yang of VetTrust Singapore acknowledged the knowledge gaps in aquatic animal health compared to terrestrial livestock species. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts involving the aquaculture industry, veterinarians, specialists, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions to address these gaps.

 

-      The Straits Times