Line of action:

Status:

Execution date:

Improve the methodology for obtaining information in Spanish continental and marine aquaculture to facilitate the analysis of the health situation of the sector, the standardization of health indicators (prevalence, mortality, welfare) and the identification of parameters that allow the performance of quality epidemiological studies that demonstrate the possible correlation of these health and production parameters, with environmental factors; and thus enable the study of the effect that climate change has and its implication on the ecology of aquatic animal diseases.

Specific objectives of the project:
1.- To know the way in which inland and marine fish farming companies collect data related to the appearance and prevalence of diseases and their mortalities.
2.- Analysis of the quality of the information obtained at the level of aquaculture company and Aquaculture Health Defense Group (ADSa)
3.- Propose improvements in the methodology for collecting health information to aquaculture companies and ADSa.
4.- To propose Key Performance Indicators of animal health and welfare parameters, which allow the identification of risk factors related to the prevalence of disease in order to carry out quality epidemiological analyses.

– Communication of the project and its objectives to the sector. Dissemination through press releases and communications on social networks
– Identification of collaborating companies
– Collection of information at farm and ADSa level
– Analysis of information collection at all levels
– Preparation of a SWOT on obtaining information (farms and ADSa)
– Proposal to improve the collection of information in the field and in the ADSa
– First validation and discussion with collaborators
– Dissemination of first results and discussion with the sector
– Identification of possible key indicators (KPIs) of health and environmental parameters
– Face-to-face conference for the dissemination of final results at the IAMZ
– Preparation of a final document with the results agreed with the sector

The main results expected to be obtained in ARISA are:

1. Based on the information obtained (farms and ADSa), a complete analysis will be carried out to know the methodology for obtaining information used by each of the companies and in a complementary way, a SWOT will be prepared to be able to highlight in a schematic way the Weaknesses, Threats, Strengths and Opportunities found in this system.
2. A first guide of recommendations for improvement in obtaining information will be drawn up, which will include all the levels surveyed. The guide of recommendations will include: forms for obtaining epidemiological information at the farm level (cumulative mortality, prevalence…), recommendations for including the information in the farm books, recommendations on the methodology for obtaining epidemiological information for ADSa and for administration (epidemiological maps, early warning systems, surveillance…).
3. This first guide will be validated and discussed with the collaborators to finish outlining it through an online meeting. It is important that the data collected on production and health parameters are standardized to allow an in-depth analysis of the sector as a whole, since if a consensus has not been reached on the methodology of data collection by the sector, it becomes very complicated or almost impossible to draw conclusions and recommendations for improvement.
4. Identification of possible key indicators (KPIs) of sanitary and environmental parameters: the analysis will continue with the aim of identifying sanitary, environmental and management parameters to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of an outbreak, which allows establishing more effective prevention and control measures, as well as improving the epidemiological surveillance programs implemented in the facilities.
5. Face-to-face day for the dissemination of results, conclusions and final recommendations at the IAMZ: to conclude, a face-to-face conference will be held with 20-25 people attending, which will also be broadcast live with the aim of reaching more people, in which the final results of the project will be presented and the continuation of the network established throughout this project will be enhanced.
6. Preparation of a final document with the results agreed with the sector: with all the results obtained throughout this project, a final document will be developed that will be published in a journal of impact of the sector.