Current Status of Transboundary Fish Diseases in the Philippines: Occurrence, Surveillance, Research and Training

Simeona E. Regidor, Juan D. Albaladejo and Joselito R. Somga

Fish Health Section
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
860 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

I. Current Status of Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD) in the Production of Common Carp and Koi Carp

I-1. Production of Common Carp and Koi Carp

a. Production of Common Carp
In 2003, production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was estimated at 667 metric tons (MT). Most of the production came from the provinces of Luzon particularly Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Ifugao and Cordillera. The fish is commonly cultured in ponds and some in pens, mainly as monoculture and, to a lesser extent, polyculture with tilapia. Common carp production remains limited because of inadequate supply of fingerlings. Common carp was introduced from China in 1915. The fish was stocked in several lakes and rivers all over the country. In Luzon, it was introduced in Laguna de Bay, Bato and Baao in Bicol, Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte, Lake Naujan in Mindoro, and Taal Lake. It was also introduced into Magat River in Nueva Viscaya, Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur, and Cagayan River in Isabela. In Mindanao, it was introduced in Lakes Lanao, Mainit and Buluan. Since then, common carp has become prevalent in many rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the country. In the 1990s, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through the National Inland Fisheries Technology Center (NIFTC) in Tanay, Rizal, in collaboration with Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD), and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), established common carp farming technology for the upland areas of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Ifugao and Cordillera. BFARNIFTC served as the main source of fingerlings, as well as other BFAR Centers and Stations situated in Luzon. At present, BFAR is conducting research for the genetic improvement of this species. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR boosted carp productivity and has launched a national carp dispersal program by stocking the new genetically-improved fingerlings in Laguna de Bay. This is a product of successful intra-specific breeding of domesticated carp with three strains from Indonesia and Vietnam: the Majalaya, Sukabumi and Vietnam strains. It is also the potential species for other inland bodies of water such as Taal Lake in Batangas, San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Magat Dam in Isabela, and Lanao Lake and Liguasan Marsh in Mindanao.

b. Production of Koi
There is limited information on koi production in the Philippines. The Ornamental Fish Association of Southern Tagalog is producing koi for the local market. In 2003, their production was about 1.5 million pieces. Another six farms in Pila, Laguna produced about 300,000 koi last year. The BFAR
National Fisheries Biological Center (NFBC) is also into production of koi with 50,000 koi were produced last year for the local market. However, the koi they produce is not yet comparable with imported ones when it comes to quality. There are also ornamental fish traders that import koi for local hobbyists. These koi are usually stocked as ornamentals in concrete ponds in gardens. According to importers, they usually import the best quality koi from Japan.

I-2. Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD) of Common Carp and Koi

So far, KHVD has not yet been reported in the Philippines. When there was an outbreak of mass mortalities of koi and common carp in Indonesia in 2002, BFAR issued a temporary suspension of carp importation in June of that year and conducted a consultation with the aquarium fish traders, hobbyists and concerned government agencies. It was unanimously agreed that koi should be imported from Japan, where there was no reported KHVD at that time. The importer's holding facility shall be inspected by BFAR prior to issuance of import permit. The fish should be in quarantine for 15-30 days and the health status monitored by a Fish Health Officer. However, after the KHVD outbreak in Japan in October 2003, BFAR issued another temporary suspension for
importation of koi from all countries in January 2004. All BFAR regional offices and centers were instructed to strengthen their reporting and monitoring of any disease problems of common carp and koi in their area. 

II. Current Status of Viral Diseases in the Production of Shrimps and Prawns

II-1. Production of Shrimps

a. Production of Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
The Philippines attained its highest shrimp production in 1994 with 90,000 MT, making it as the third largest producer in the world. From 1997 to present, total production figures are almost similar (Fig. 1).

Export figures vary from year to year. The overall production experienced a steady decline starting in 1996 and this was attributed to the increasing environmental degradation and disease problems, particularly luminous vibriosis. This was further aggravated in 1999 with the appearance of white
spot syndrome virus (WSSV), first in intensive farms and then in extensive farms in 2002.
Timely intervention of the national government particularly the DABFAR started in 1996 through the formation of the inter-agency Task Force, the Oplan Sagip Sugpo, whereby the recovery program for shrimp production was set with immediate and long-term interventions. The program was
enhanced by the formation of the Shrimp Task Force in 2000 to undertake the following tasks:

1. Fast track specialized technical support through strengthening of regional laboratories to handle specialized laboratory protocols such as the use of molecular diagnostic procedures, like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as early detection tools for viruses like WSSV;
2. Disease surveillance to prevent the spread of the viral diseases through active and passive disease monitoring;
3. Promotion of good farm practices through implementation of codes of practice;
4. Adoption of innovations that are environmentally sound and sustainable; and
5. Conduct aggressive continuing education among the national government and private sector field laboratory technicians and fishery extension officers.

Source of Spawners, Broodstock and Postlarvae: Almost 90% of shrimp postlarvae originate from hatcheries, while supply for spawners and broodstock rely mostly on capture fisheries and collectors from wild sources. The remaining 10% of shrimp postlarval supply are wild-caught stocks
gathered from nearshore areas during its season for collection. Most of the successful hatchery operators are located in Western and Central Visayas supplying 60% of the country's postlarval requirement. Traditional wild spawner and broodstock collection sites are in the following areas:

Luzon: Quezon, Masbate 
Visayas: Capiz, Negros, Bohol, Leyte 
Samar: Surigao, Davao, Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte 

Country of Origin of Imported Stocks: The only known importation of P. monodon into the Philippines came from Thailand in 1992. This was made by Dole Philippines for their production ponds in General Santos City, Mindanao. This introduction prompted the Negros Prawn Producers
Marketing Cooperative, Incorporated (NPPMCI) to lobby for the passing into law the prohibition of importation of any exotic shrimp species into the country. Thus, in 1993, Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 189 was passed. This was on the "Prohibition of the importation of all live stages of shrimps and prawns". In 2001, this Order was amended by FAO No. 207 which includes the prohibition of the culture of imported exotic shrimp species.

Live Export Records: As specified in FAO No. 143-5 and stated in "Amending Section 1, FAO No. 143-4", the exportation of live pond-raised prawns not more than sixty (60) grams per piece is allowed. Live marketable size black tiger shrimp (P. monodon) were exported in small quantities to
Taiwan, HongKong and Thailand as part of the live fish trade to these countries.

b. Production of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
The Philippine government, through BFAR has been implementing a total ban in the importation of live shrimps and prawn of all stages as early as 1993 through FAO 189 that was further amended in 2004 to include not just the importation, but also the culture of imported exotic shrimp species.
However, the lure of Pacific white shrimp culture resulted in illegal importation of postlarvae of L. vannamei originating mostly from Kaoshiung, Taiwan starting in 1998. The illegal shipment is technically smuggling exotic species in the guise of milkfish fry (Chanos chanos). Approved permits issued by BFAR for importation of milkfish fry were replaced with the fry of L. vannamei. This can be gleaned from the series of confiscations conducted in international airports.

To stop the rampant mis-declaration of live fish to these ports, the following BFAR office directives were issued (see Box):

• Shrimp Importation Monitoring and Surveillance Task Force - created on January 14, 2003;
• Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 078, Series of 2003 - Restricts entry of live fish species imported from Taiwan and China. Entry of live fish from either Taiwan or China, particularly milkfish fry, is restricted to Ninoy Aquino International Airport only;

• Fisheries General Memorandum Order No. 119, Series of 2003 - Guidelines in the importation of milkfish (bangus) fry, Chanos chanos. This is an additional guideline in the implementation of FAO 221 that was issued due to persistent illegal importation of shrimp fry under the guise of milkfish fry; and
• Implementation of the total ban on live shrimp importation was further strengthened with the passing of a resolution by the Philippine Shrimp Industry Association (PHILSHRIMP) fully supporting the ban and urging for the stricter implementation of Fisheries Administrative Order 207, Series of 2001.

c. Production of Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Commercial production of M. rosenbergii in freshwater ponds and riceprawn culture systems was given a boost in 2001 after commercial prawn fry production was achieved. The estimated production was 70 metric tons with yearly increase of 10%. However, the bulk of production is still mainly derived from wild caught fisheries with only 10% being contributed by aquaculture. Increase in freshwater prawn aquaculture is promising since new areas for grow-out production (pond and rice-prawn culture) are currently being developed in Regions 1-8 and 11.

II.1. Diseases of Shrimps and Prawn 

a. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)
Viral infections remain untreatable, thus exclusion is the most logical alternative to prevent their entry into culture facilities. This highlights further the need to screen for viruses using the most sensitive and specific method available. A DNA-based PCR protocol developed for WSSV by Tapay et al. (1999) has been reported to detect isolates of the virus from various geographic regions like China, Indonesia, Japan, the United States, and India. Furthermore, the same protocol has been used extensively in testing for WSSV in asymptomatic shrimp from hatcheries and grow-out ponds. In February 2000, the first mortality associated with WSSV infection in the Philippines was observed in cultured P. monodon in Negros Occidental. The causative agent was confirmed as WSSV using PCR (Magbanua et al., 2000).
Sixteen PCR laboratories are currently in place in strategic regional sites conducting comprehensive monitoring and surveillance program. Most postlarvae are checked for WSSV carrier status before shipment to various islands within the country. In 2002, only 35 samples out of 1,115 analyzed (3.14%) were confirmed positive for WSSV, but in 2003, a 5-fold increase in WSSV positive samples was recorded (169 positive samples out of a total of 1,413. Increased infection rate in 2003 was observed during the cold months of the year starting in October. Mortality in ponds was noted in the months of November to February, resulting to crop failure. In addition to previously recorded infected areas, WSSV infection spread to other shrimp producing provinces as such Davao del Sur, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Capiz, Lanao del Norte, Masbate, Sorsogon, Samar, Leyte, and Pangasinan. The impact of WSSV infection is limited in magnitude and spread compared with other countries due to the pro-active program instituted by the Philippine government, through BFAR's "National Action Program to Control WSSV in Shrimp". This program was conceived in March 2000, with the following specific objectives and activities:

1. Exclusion
This approach aims to prevent further introduction of WSSV carriers into the country. Since the most effective carriers of the virus are live shrimps and crustaceans, a complete ban on importation of live shrimps, prawns and other crustacean species is the logical preventive approach. This is
implemented by virtue of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 189. A new FAO was drafted to strengthen FAO 189 to include not only prohibition on the importation, but also the culture of imported live shrimp and prawn of all stages. The draft was presented in a series of regional
consultations to various stakeholders, including the National Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) as mandated by Republic Act 8850 of 1998 or the New Fisheries Code. After deliberation and upon endorsement of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Fisheries Administrative Order 207 Series of 2001 was signed into law on 17 May 2001.

2. Containment
The containment approach seeks to prevent the spread of WSSV. As much as possible, WSSV outbreaks should be contained within the areas originally affected so that areas that are still WSSV-negative can be spared from the potentially-devastating effect of the disease. The archipelagic nature of the country and the fact that shrimps can, on their own, potentially move
from one part of the country to another makes this approach highly challenging. Towards this end, five major activities are being implemented, namely:

1. Detection and diagnosis of WSSV;
2. Surveillance and reporting;
3. Regulation of in-country movement of live shrimps, particularly postlarvae or fry stages;
4. Hatchery accreditation scheme; and Promotion of environment-friendly shrimp farming and good farm management practices.

These strategies are envisioned to help improve the quality of shrimp postlarvae being produced and marketed in the country, to raise awareness among hatchery operators on the importance of using healthy shrimp spawners, and to highlight to shrimp growers the importance of using only
high-health shrimp fry for stocking in grow-out ponds.

3. WSSV Detection and Diagnosis
Detection of the disease is the most basic requirement for its effective control. Thus, it was given highest priority by BFAR. Since PCR-based diagnostic techniques are currently the most reliable diagnostic tools, BFAR started a program in 2000 with disease surveillance as a focal point and
"early detection of the virus" using PCR as a prevention strategy. At present, the BFAR has 16 PCR-capable facilities nationwide strategically located in shrimp growing areas (Table 1).

Aside from PCR, the laboratories are also equipped to undertake the following laboratory procedures:

1. Quantitative bacteriology;
2. Shrimp fry quality assessment; and
3. Water quality analysis.

PCR-based diagnosis is a sophisticated and precise technique that requires specialized training. Hence, a complimentary manpower capability-building on the operation of this specialized laboratory procedure was conducted for Regional Fish Health Officers and technicians from accredited private laboratories. Subsequently, on-site hands-on PCR trainings were also conducted with regular proficiency testing of the laboratory technicians to ensure good quality control standards. In order to standardize the PCR procedure, the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) of the University of the Philippines in Los Banos and SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department were designated by BFAR as the national reference laboratories for WSSV. These laboratories insure that all diagnostic kits used in the PCR protocol are standardized to keep the integrity and reproducibility of the procedure, and they serve as depository of the virus materials for maintenance and safekeeping. Furthermore, they serve as the agencies to resolve conflict of results that might arise in the conduct of the analysis. Two non-government organizations, NPPMCI and BARFI, are also involved in the program in order to have participatory collaboration with the private sector by providing them with resources such as PCR equipment, training and technical support. These organizations are actively involved in
the exchange of information and formulation of future strategies to control the spread of the viral diseases. 

4. Surveillance and Reporting
Even prior to the formulation of the WSSV Control Program, BFAR has been actively involved in the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting System that has been adopted within Asia-Pacific region under the joint programs of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Network of
Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific (NACA) and Office International des Epizooties (OIE). To support this, BFAR requires participating field laboratories to submit monthly reports. Meanwhile passive surveillance in areas not covered by the participating laboratories continues using the
National Aquatic Animal Disease Reporting format developed under the FAO/ NACA/AusAid/APEC Project. 

5. Regulation of in-Country Movement of Shrimp Fry
There is considerable movement of shrimp fry from one province to another due to the demand from shrimp growers. To minimize spread of disease, BFAR strengthened existing regulations covering in-country movement of live shrimps which includes issuance of health certificate/permit, and inspection procedures at ports of entries or origins. In addition, protocols for proper disposal of WSSV-infected postlarvae and for decontamination of WSSV-infected hatchery facilities will be prepared. The following Fisheries Office Orders are in force to insure smooth implementation:

1. Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 240, Series of 2003 concerning regulations on transboundary movement of shrimp postlarvae;
2. Fisheries General Memorandum Order No. 014, Series of 2004 containing the Guidelines for the Implementation of Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 240; and
3. Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 013, Series of 2004 is on imposition of active surveillance mechanism for all shrimp hatcheries nationwide as part of the strict implementation of the National Action Program to Control White Spot Syndrome Virus in shrimp. Continuing education and training of quarantine officers and laboratory technicians will be pursued on regular basis. Stakeholders in the shrimp industry, such as hatchery operators, shrimp fry traders and growers, will likewise be educated on the importance and benefits of compliance.

6. Shrimp Hatchery Accreditation Scheme
A Fisheries Administrative Order on rules and regulations for issuance of Compliance Certification based on "best practice" in the hatchery was presented for adoption by the Philippine Shrimp Hatchery Association (PHILFRY). Comments and inputs from the deliberation were incorporated
in the final draft that was endorsed to the NFARMC for approval of the law. 

7. Good Farm Management Practices
To augment the disease prevention strategies, promotion of good culture practices and bio-security measures are being promoted in-farm. This is based on the "Code of Practice for Sustainable Shrimp Farming". Also, promotion of environment-friendly schemes in shrimp farming that have been field-tested by SEAFDEC and BFAR through the Joint Mission for the Accelerated Nationwide Technology Transfer Program will continue. 

b. Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)
Due to the existing ban on importation of exotic shrimp species in the country, there are no reports of TSV infection in the Philippines. At present, SEAFDEC is the only laboratory capable of testing for TSV. Samples submitted to SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department obtained from illegal shipments at airports showed negative results for the virus after analysis using PCR. BFAR is planning to include active surveillance for TSV in its monitoring program. 

c. Significant and Emerging Viral Diseases of Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Testing for important prawn viruses that might infect local population of M. rosenbergii is now included in the National Action Program. Since government and private hatchery operations to produce prawn postlarvae is still inadequate, selective importation of postlarvae and broodstock was allowed to augment the local supply for stocking in ponds, and for genetic diversity and genetic selection programs. Special permits were issued by the Department of Agriculture through the recommendation of BFAR to import a specific number of prawn from Thailand and Lao PDR. All importations were subjected to pre-border inspection from the country of origin by recognized Fish Health laboratories using techniques to detect economically important diseases of M. rosenbergii. Subsequent post-border inspection of the shipment was also performed in the Fish Health Central Laboratory in Manila.

III. Surveillance, Monitoring and Diagnosis of Diseases of Aquatic Animals

III-1. Responsible Facility and Personnel
The Fish Health Section (FHS) of BFAR spearheads the implementation of monitoring of aquaculture farms, and provides diagnostic services as well as technical and advisory assistance to the aquaculture industry. Its monitoring program includes disease surveillance and reporting system, aquatic animal health certification and implementation of quarantine procedures, assessment of the health status of stocks of selected fish, and management of other aquatic
resource farms in the Philippines. The FHS operates a Central Fish Health Laboratory with the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of the aquatic
animal health measures recommended by the OIE and European Commission Directive 2003/858/EC. The FHS develops standardized routine procedures and guidelines for the operation of the 15 Regional Fish Health Laboratories (Fig. 2), supervises the activities, and sets directions for the operation of such laboratories, as well as provides technical guidance to 38 Regional
Fish Health Officers (FHOs) on the execution of diagnostic activities and technical assistance on fish health-related problems. It also imparts specialized training programs on fish health for government fishery biologists, extension workers and fish farmers. Surveillance and monitoring program of farms for diseases and drug residue monitoring was developed to know the animal health situation in the Philippines and in compliance with the requirements of trading partners.
As exporter of fresh and frozen aquaculture products to European communities, the FHOs also implement disease monitoring and surveillance in fulfillment to the requirements of EC Directive 2003/858/EC. The FHOs also act as fishery inspectors authorized to certify fish products of aquaculture origin for export into the European Community for human consumption.

a. Regional Fish Health Laboratories
As indicated in Fisheries Office Order No. 211 series of 2003 issued on 28 August 2003, the FHOs shall be responsible for the implementation of residue monitoring report and plan in accordance with European Union Council Directive 96/23/EC in their area of responsibility and perform the
following functions: a) assist in planning, directing, and implementing of

the national program on fish health management; b) supervise and operate the RFHLs and satellite laboratories in their respective areas of jurisdiction; c) adopt FAO 220, series of 2001 concerning "Operation of the Fish Health Laboratories and Collection of Fees and Charges"; d) conduct fish kill
investigation and implement the National Strategy on Fishkill Investigation, Reporting and Prevention; e) provide technical support to the fish inspection and quarantine services; f) act as quality control officer on the regulation of animal feed veterinary drugs and products in aquaculture; and g) submit quarterly accomplishment reports relating to program to the Bureau Director.

b. National Disease Monitoring and Surveillance
Table 2 lists the central and regional FHOs. The Central Fish Health Laboratory provides the technical know-how and formulates mechanisms to coordinate the conduct of disease surveillance, monitoring, and reporting. To harmonize activities on disease surveillance, a monitoring form was
developed for field use. Quarterly reports are submitted to the Central Fish Health Laboratory for information and consolidation. In 2003, disease surveillance and monitoring of 199 shrimp, 80 milkfish and 336 tilapia farms nationwide were conducted (Table 3). No major disease outbreaks were observed in these farms. Shrimp hatcheries were encouraged to screen their fry for WSSV and to conduct fry quality assessment prior to stocking to lessen the risk of disease outbreak.

III-2. Diagnostic Capabilities and Major Diseases of Aquatic Animals
The laboratories that conduct fish disease diagnosis and their corresponding level of diagnosis are listed in Table 4. Following are the levels of diagnosis: Level I: diagnostic activity limited to observation of animal and the environment, and clinical examination (on-site or field diagnosis); Level II: diagnostic activity includes parasitology, bacteriology, mycology and histopathology (laboratory diagnosis); and Level III: diagnostic activity includes virology, electron microscopy, molecular biology, and immunology (laboratory diagnosis).

a. Economically-Important Diseases in the Philippines
Significant disease outbreaks that caused mass mortalities of wild and cultured fish stocks are listed in Table 5. Aphanomyces invadans, a fungus, in association with Aeromonas hydrophila caused mass mortality of wild populations of Clarias batrachus, Ophicephalus striatus and Mugil cephalus. The outbreak started in 1985 in Luzon and was recently reported in Lake Lanao. Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) was confirmed by the presence of fungal hyphae in tissue sections of Glosogobius guirius caught in the lake. Reports from Roxas City in Panay Island of mortality caused by parasitic diseases like monogeneans on the body surface and gills of fry of brown spotted grouper were received. It was reported that outbreaks are also occurring in Mindoro and Palawan, the sources of grouper fry. Another parasite, Caligus epidemicus, caused mass mortality of tilapia and milkfish cultured in brackishwater farms in Negros Occidental, Zambales, Bicol and Pagbilao, Quezon. One more parasite, an isopod identified as Corallana grandiventra, has been the cause of losses among tilapia cultured in cages at Taal Lake, a freshwater lake. Mortality of up to 100% was reported causing some fish farmers to cease operation. Diseases outbreaks in P. monodon caused by Vibrio spp. have been associated with mass mortalities. Aeromonas hydrophila has been reported in fish mortalities associated with Aphanomyces invadans in EUS-infected fish. 

b. Current Needs and Requirements
Although disease and drug residue surveillance and monitoring are in place, the activities need a lot of improvement. At the moment, project proposals are in the pipeline to upgrade the existing capacity and capability of BFAR Fish Health Section. There is a need to develop a proposal on

quarantine, including a national program on monitoring and surveillance of emerging diseases such as, but not limited to, TSV, KHV and viral nervous necrosis (VNN). Assistance is also very much needed to implement the Technical Implementing Guidelines on Asia Regional Technical Guidelines on Health Management for Responsible Movement of Live Aquatic Animals and the Beijing Consensus and Implementation Strategy.

IV. Quarantine Services to Prevent Entry of Diseases of Aquatic Animals 

IV-1. Responsible Agency and Personnel

a. Laws and Regulations
BFAR is the government agency responsible for the implementation of fisheries inspection and quarantine services as mandated by Republic Act 8550, section 67. Implementing rules and regulations are issued in the form of Fisheries Administrative Orders to properly implement the law. For the transboundary movement of live fish and fishery/aquatic products, the FAO No. 221, Series of 2003 was enacted. It contains the implementing rules and regulations pertaining to the importation of live fish and fishery/aquatic products to include microorganisms and bio-molecules. The following are the relevant documents for implementation of the movement of live aquatic animals:

1. Fisheries Administrative Order No. 220, Series of 2001 pertains to the operation of Fish Health laboratories and collection of fees and charges therefore;
2. Fisheries Administrative Order No. 207, Series of 2001 prohibits the importation and culture of imported live shrimp and prawn of all stages;
3. Fisheries Administrative Order No. 221, Series of 2003 regulates further the importation of live fish and fishery/aquatic products under FAO No. 135 Series of 1981 to include microorganisms and biomolecules; 
4. Fisheries Office Order No. 211, Series of 2003 is an amendment to Fisheries Office Order No. 147-01, Series of 2001 and pertains to designation of Regional Fish Health Officers;
5. Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 240, Series of 2003 pertains to Regulations on Transboundary Movement of Shrimp Postlarvae; 
6. Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 078, Series of 2003 pertains to Restriction on Entry of Live Fish Species Importation from Taiwan and China;
7. Fisheries General Memorandum Order No. 014, Series of 2004 are Guidelines for the Implementation of Fisheries Memorandum Order 240; and
8. Fisheries Memorandum Order No. 013, Series of 2004 pertains to the imposition of active surveillance mechanism for all shrimp hatcheries nationwide as part of the strict implementation of the National Action Program to Control White Spot Syndrome Virus
   (WSSV) in shrimp.

b. Responsible Facilities and Location
There are two sections in BFAR that have responsibility over the movement of live aquatic animals: the Fish Health Section under the Office of the Director, and the Foreign Trade and Miscellaneous Permit Section under the Fisheries Regulatory and Quarantine Division. The Fish Health Officers and the Fisheries Quarantine Officers (FQOs) implement the health management process as defined in the Asia Regional Technical Guidelines on Health Management for Responsible Movement of Live Aquatic Animals and the Beijing Consensus and Implementation Strategy. The FHO implements the pre-border (exporter) and post-border (importer) activities, and the FQO is concerned with border activities in the transboundary movement of live aquatic animals. Table 6 lists the Fisheries Quarantine Officers.

c. Conduct of Quarantine and Inspection Services
As outlined in FAO 221, all importation of live fish and fishery aquatic products, aquatic microorganisms, bio-molecules, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and endangered species will be categorized by BFAR, in cooperation and coordination with the Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, and Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau into the following: low risk species, medium risk species, high risk species, and prohibited or banned species.

IV-2. Procedures and Requirements for Importation

a. Filing
The importer must show intention to import live fish and fishery/aquatic products including microorganisms and bio-molecules through the filing of his application at least five working days prior to the importation of low risk species, and 10 to 15 days for medium risks species. The decision whether or not to import high risk species will be given thirty (30) days after evaluation
of the proposal and other documents which may be required by the Import Risk Analysis (IRA) Panel. 

b. Review by Import Risk Analysis Panel
All importation is subject to review by the IRA Panel that shall serve as the secretariat and clearing house of all IRA cases and may tap a group of experts to resolve individual cases whenever necessary. The panel shall be chaired by a Fish Health Officer and has five permanent members who shall have the following minimum qualifications: a) one member shall be a member of the Philippine Bar; b) one member shall be a fish health officer; c) one member shall be a regulatory fisheries quarantine officer; d) one member shall be a member of NFARMC; and e) one member shall be a fishery biologist (on call, depending on the required expertise). The importation requirements are dependent on the category of the commodity which will be listed in the permit issued by BFAR (Section 7 FAO 221). 

c. Importation Requirements According to Section 7 of FAO No. 221

1.  For low risk species - duly accomplished form. Risk analysis shall not
   be required except when there is a reported significant outbreak in the
   county of origin.
2. For medium risk species
   
   i. Duly accomplished application form;
   ii. Duly accomplished proposal form with emphasis on health, ecological and genetic impacts of the proposed importation;
   iii. Import risk analysis (IRA) by the IRA Panel;
   iv. Health Certificate from the competent authority of the country of origin to be presented upon arrival; and

v. The quarantine and inspection requirements shall be based on the
decision of the BFAR IRA Panel which may require a quarantine
period of 24-28 days on a case to case basis after the release of the
shipment from the airport to the BFAR quarantine facility, with costs
to be borne by the importer.

3) For high risk species

i. Duly accomplished application form;
ii. Duly accomplished proposal form with emphasis on health, ecological and genetic impacts of the proposed importation;
iii. Import risk analysis by the IRA Panel;
iv. Health certificate from the competent authority of the country of origin to be presented upon arrival of the consignment at the NAIA or other designated ports of entry. On a case to case basis, BFAR may specify certification requirements for individual species and/or shipments to ensure freedom from specified diseases as deemed necessary; and
v. Quarantine and inspection until the first generation (F1) offspring. This will be imposed after release of the shipment from the airport to the BFAR quarantine facilities, with costs to be borne by the importer.

d. Inspection
For security purposes, live fish and fishery/aquatic products are subjected to inspection requirements upon arrival at the NAIA, the only allowed point of entry for live fish and fishery/aquatic products. The importer is required to submit documents (original copy of the import permit, photocopies of pro-forma invoice, packing list, and airway bill or bill of lading) to the BFAR Fisheries Quarantine Officer. For medium and high risks species, a copy of health certificate is required. Consignments not accompanied by import permit and/or health certificate shall be confiscated and destroyed. The Fisheries Quarantine Officer shall check the species identity and conduct visual inspection. If the fish is clearly unhealthy, the quarantine officer will require treatment of the shipment in the importer's holding facility under the supervision of a fish health officer. If the unhealthy fish poses high risk of contaminating healthy stocks, the shipment shall be confiscated and destroyed. Laboratory examination of samples obtained from the shipment shall
be conducted by the BFAR Fish Health Officer at the expense of the importer.

IV-3. List of Quarantinable Diseases of Aquatic Animals in the Philippines

The Philippines uses the existing list in the Quarterly Aquatic Animal Disease Report (Asia and the Pacific) jointly published by NACA and FAO, and the list of diseases in the International Aquatic Animal Health Code of the OIE. 

V. Research and Training of Fish Health Staff for Quarantine, Diagnosis and Surveillance of Diseases of Aquatic Animals

a. Current Research Activities
Most of the researches on diseases of fish are being implemented by the
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. Table 7 shows the list of agencies,
departments and universities doing research on fish disease in the Philippines.

b. Recent Publications on Viral Diseases of Fishes and Shrimps
Following are the publications on viral diseases from 1998-2003:

1. Albaladejo JD, Tapay LM, Migo VP, Alfafara CG, Somga JR, Mayo SL, Miranda RC, Natividad KD, Magbanua PO, Itami T, Matsumura M, Nadala Jr ECB, Loh PC. 1998. Screening of shrimp viruses in the Philippines. In: TW Flegel (ed). Advances in Shrimp
   Biotechnology. National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bangkok, Thailand, p. 251-254
2. Catap ES, Travina RD. 2005. Experimental transmission of hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) infection in Penaeus monodon postlarvae. Diseases in Asian Aquaculture V (in press) 
3. Catap ES, Lavilla-Pitogo CR, Maeno Y, Travina R. 2003. Occurrence, histopathology and experimental transmission of hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) infections in Penaeus monodon postlarvae. Dis. Aquat. Org. 57:11-17 
4. Lio-Po GD. 1998. Studies on several viruses, bacteria and fungus associated with Epizootic Ulcerative syndrome (EUS) of several fishes in the Philippines. Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, 247 p
5. Lio-Po GD. 2001. Viral diseases. In: Lio-Po GD, Lavilla CR, Cruz-Lacierda ER (eds) Health Management in Aquaculture. SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines, p. 9-24
6. Lio-Po GD, Cruz-Lacierda ER, de la Pena LD, Maeno Y, Inui Y. 2002. Progress and current status of diagnostic techniques for marine fish viral diseases at the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department. In: Inui Y, Cruz-Lacierda ER (eds) Disease Control in Fish and Shrimp Aquaculture in Southeast Asia-Diagnosis and Husbandry Techniques. Proceedings of the Seminar Workshop organized by SEAFDEC-AQD and OIE; 2-6 December 2001; SEAFDEC, Iloilo, Philippines. p. 97-106
7. Lio-Po GD, Traxler GS, Albright LS. 1999. Establishment of cell lines from catfish (Clarias batrachus) and snakehead (Ophicephalus striatus). Asian Fish. Sci. 12:345-349
8. Lio-Po GD, Traxler GS, Albright LS, Leano EM. 2000. Characterization of virus obtained from snakehead (Ophicephalus striatus) with epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in the Philippines. Dis. Aquat. Org. 43:191-198
9. Lio-Po GD, Albright LS, Traxler GS, Leano EM. 2001. Pathogenicity of the epizootic ulcerative syndrome-(EUS) associated rhabdovirus to snakehead Ophicephalus striatus. Fish. Pathol. 36:57-66. 
10. Lio-Po GD, Albright LS, Traxler GS, Leano EM. 2003. Horizontal transmission of the EUS rhabdovirus in stimulated natural conditions. Dis. Aquat. Org. 57:213-220
11. Maeno Y, de la Pena LD, Cruz-Lacierda ER. 2002. Nodavirus infection in hatchery-reared orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides: First record of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in the Philippines. Fish Pathol. 37:87-89
12. Maeno Y, de la Pena LD, Cruz-Lacierda ER. 2003. Development of control methods for factors suppressing sustainable production of aquaculture species: Experimental transmission of piscine nodavirusinduced viral nervous necrosis to the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides. In: Ogawa Y, Ogata HY, Maeno Y, Shimoda T, Fujiioka Y, Fukuda Y (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd Workshop of the JIRCAS International Collaborative Research: "Studies on Sustainable Production Systems of Aquatic Animals in Brackish Mangrove Areas" Dec. 2-3 2002, Penang, Malaysia. JIRCAS, Tsukuba, Japan and Department of Fisheries, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. p. 89-94
13. Maeno Y, de la Pena LD, Cruz-Lacierda ER. 2004. Susceptibility of cultured marine fish species to piscine nodavirus from orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides, in the Philippines. Fish Pathol. (in press)
14. Maeno Y, de la Pena LD, Cruz-Lacierda ER. 2004. Mass mortalities associated with viral nervous necrosis in hatchery-reared sea bass Lates calcarifer in the Philippines. Japan Agricultural Research Quarterly 38:69-73 
15. Magbanua PO, Natividad KD, Migo VP, Alfafara CG, de la Pena FO, Miranda RO, Albaladejo JD, Nadala Jr ECB, Loh PC, Tapay LM. 2000. Prevalence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured Penaeus monodon in the Philippines. Dis. Aquat. Org. 42:77- 82
16. Natividad KDT, Magbanua FO, Migo VP, Alfafara CG, Albaladejo JD, Nadala Jr ECB, Loh PC, Tapay LM. 2002. Prevalence of yellowhead virus in cultured black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricus) from selected shrimp farms in the Philippines. In: Lavilla-Pitogo CR and Cruz-Lacierda ER (eds) Diseases in Asian Aquaculture IV. Fish Health Section, Asian Fisheries Society, Manila Philippines. p. 45-55
17. de la Pena LD, Lavilla-Pitogo CR, Namikoshi A, Nishizawa T, Inui Y, Muroga K. 2003. Mortality in pond-cultured shrimp Penaeus monodon in the Philippines associated with Vibrio harveyi and white spot syndrome virus. Fish Pathol. 38: 59-61

c. Training and Training Needs
There are two agencies that conduct fish disease training in the Philippines. SEADEC Aquaculture Department conducts training for local and international participants such as AquaHealth Online, an internet-based training, and hands-on training for important viruses affecting fish and shrimp.
BFAR conducts trainings for Fish Health Officers and Fishery Quarantine Inspectors, as well as private participants. The Fish Health Staff of BFAR has availed of training programs on quarantine, fish disease diagnosis, and surveillance developed by the International Development Council (IDRC) of Canada, Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific (NACA), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Aquatic Animal Health Research Institute (AAHRI), and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center  (SEAFDEC). Likewise, the Fisheries Quarantine Officers at NAIA have availed of the training programs developed by BFAR-Fish Health Section, SEAFDEC, NACA and FAO. With increasing risks of spread of transboundary pathogens and diseases, there is a need to enhance the diagnostic capability for TSV, KHV, and other important diseases for the Fish Health Officers in the laboratory and for the Fishery Quarantine Officers at ports of entry. 

References 

Magbanua PO, Natividad KD, Migo VP, Alfafara CG, de la Pena FO, Miranda RO, Albaladejo JD, Nadala Jr ECB, Loh PC, Tapay LM. 2000. Prevalence of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured Penaeus monodon in the Philippines. Dis. Aquat. Org. 42:77-82.

Tapay LM, Nadala CB, Loh PC. 1999. A polymerase chain reaction protocol for the detection of various geographical isolates of white spot virus. J. Virol. Methods 82: 39-43.