Transboundary Shrimp Viral Diseases with Emphasis on White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)

Leobert D. de la Pena
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Aquaculture Department, Tigbauan 5021
Iloilo, Philippines

Crustaceans, specifically the cultured penaeid shrimp, are adversely affected by a number of diseases. Crustacean diseases that have significant social or economic impact on culture are mostly infectious in nature and many of them have no therapeutic remedies or treatments. There are currently 8 diseases of crustaceans listed by the OIE, seven of which are viral diseases of penaeid shrimp. This summary discusses two of the most important viral diseases in penaeid shrimp, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and Taura syndrome virus (TSV). 

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

WSSV was first described in Japan where an initial outbreak occurred in Penaeus japonicus in 1993 and was thought to have originated from imported stocks from China. This epizootic probably began in China around 1992 then subsequently spread to Taiwan, Japan and the rest of Asia. Infection with
WSSV is characterized by white spots in the cuticle of heavily-infected shrimp and a high and rapid mortality which may reach 100% within 10 days from the onset of clinical signs. All shrimp species examined have been found to be susceptible to the virus and the host range extends widely into other marine
and freshwater crustacean species, including copepods and even aquatic insect larvae. Several species of crabs and shrimp in the wild have been found
infected with the virus without displaying any of the clinical signs and may act as a continual reservoir of infection. This persistence in wild crustacean
species in the vicinity of shrimp farms may make the disease difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate from affected aquaculture areas. The causative agent
is a double-stranded DNA virus and a member of the genus Whispovirus within the family Nimaviridae. Virions are rod-shaped to elliptical with a trilaminar envelope and the size ranges from 80-120'250-380 nm. The virus was named after the gross signs of the disease which included white inclusions of various sizes embedded in the carapace at the late stages of infection. These white spots apparently represent abnormal deposits of calcium salts. 

WSSV is considered as one of the most devastating viral diseases of cultured penaeid shrimp and is now widespread in Asia. Previous efforts by two research groups reported the absence of WSSV from cultured or wild P. monodon in the Philippines up to the late 1990s. Although WSSV came to the Philippines much later than the rest of Asia, the disease can now be easily diagnosed from samples obtained from various parts of the Philippines using
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Since 1999 to early 2002, there were only few documented cases about mass mortalities associated with WSSV. However, starting in the last quarter of 2002 up to the present, mass mortalities have been frequently reported in all major shrimp producing regions in the Philippines. The outbreaks usually occurred between 60-90 days of culture. Mortality ranges from 80 to 95% in intensive culture system and 30 to 70% in extensive culture system. Also, WSSV has been detected by using PCR in 10% (dry season) and 0.3% (wet season) of the wild P. monodon collected from 7 sampling sites which are considered as primary sources of spawners or broodstocks in the Philippines.  

Strategies that have been developed or adapted to limit the losses from this viral disease include the stocking of WSSV-free fry, use of reservoir to hold water and allow settling for at least 5 days, exclusion of potential WSSV carriers from the culture area, use of green-water culture system, nutritional supplementation with vitamins, regular application of probiotics in the rearing water, good cooperation among shrimp farmers who same the same
waterways, and implementation of proactive monitoring scheme. The government, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), strengthened existing regulations covering in-country movement of live shrimps, especially postlarvae. This includes issuance of health certificate at
ports of entry and origin.

Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)

Taura syndrome, caused by Taura syndrome virus, was first recognized in shrimp farms in Ecuador in 1992 where the disease caused catastrophic
losses with a very high cumulative mortality rate of affected pond-cultured Litopenaeus vannamei. After its recognition as a distinct disease of cultured
L. vannamei in Ecuador, TSV spread rapidly to virtually all of the shrimp growing regions of the Americas through shipments of infected postlarvae and broodstocks. The principal host for TSV is L. vannamei, although other shrimp species can be infected. Eastern hemisphere penaeids like P. chinensis,
P. monodon and P. japonicus have been experimentally infected with TSV. Cumulative mortalities due to TSV outbreak ranged from 40% to more than
90% in cultured L. vannamei. Survivors of TSV infections may carry the virus for life. The virus has been demonstrated to remain infectious in the feces of sea gulls that have ingested infected shrimp. This implicates birds as an important route of horizontal transmission of the virus. The characteristic gross pathology in L. vannamei include reddening of the tail fan and visible necrosis in the cuticle. The outbreak usually occurs during the first 60 days of culture. TSV was tentatively assigned under the family Picornaviridae. According to structure, the virion is 32 nm, non-enveloped, icosahedron and a single stranded RNA genome. TSV was introduced into Asia through the importation of infected L. vannamei from Central and South American sources. TSV outbreaks were first reported in Taiwan where L. vannamei had been imported live to be used in commercial aquaculture ponds. Recently, there were confirmed reports of TSV infections in Thailand and Indonesia which also import their fry and breeders. In the Philippines, L. vannamei is already being cultured in Luzon area using imported postlarvae. However, due to the existence of a regulation promulgated in 1993 by BFAR under the Fisheries Administrative Order No. 189 Series of 1993, prohibiting the import of all species of live shrimp and prawns of all stages except for scientific purposes, importation of L. vannamei into the Philippines is considered illegal. A sample from a batch of fry that was confiscated on 8 May 2003 was tested at the National Taiwan University for the presence of TSV using the IQ2000 TSV Detection and Prevention System and was found negative for the virus. However, there is always the possibility of contamination with TSV if the illegal shipments of L. vannamei remain uncontrolled. Methods to prevent and control TSV infection include total de-population
of infected stocks, disinfection of the affected culture facility, and restocking with TSV-free fry that have been produced from TSV-free broodstock. In addition, active national quarantine, monitoring and surveillance systems are very valuable to help combat the spread of the virus. 

Summary Brief: International Symposium on Koi Herpesvirus Disease

Gilda D. Lio-Po
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Aquaculture Department, Tigbauan 5021
Iloilo, Philippines

The Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD) is the newest viral disease that caused mass mortalities of affected koi and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The disease was initially reported in Israel and the United States in 2000. By March 2002, the first outbreak in Asia occurred in Indonesia that since then spread throughout the country. In early October 2003, KHVD outbreaks in Japan were first observed in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura of Ibaraki Prefecture.
With the alarming spread of KHVD in Asia, strategies for its prevention and control need to be initiated. Hence, on 13 March 2004, the Fisheries Research Agency (FRA) of Japan, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) organized the "International Symposium on Koi Herpesvirus Disease"in Yokohama, Japan. It was a forum participated in by scientists from Japan, SEAFDEC member countries, United States, East Asia, Israel and Europe to exchange the latest information on the disease and its prevention and control.

The keynote lecture was given by Prof. Ronald P. Hedrick of the University of California, Davis, a foremost expert on KHVD. Other imminent scientists from Israel, Netherlands, Indonesia, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and SEAFDEC/AQD were also invited speakers. A summary of the speakers and their presentations are as follows:

R. P. Hedrick (USA): Initial isolation and characterization of a herpeslike virus (KHV) from koi and common carp.

Ariel Ronen (Israel): Prevention of a mortal disease of carps induced by the carp interstitial nephritis and gill necrosis virus (CNGV) in Israel.

Marc Y. Engelsma (Netherlands): KHVD occurrence, diagnosis, control, research, and future in the Netherlands and Europe.

Agus Sunarto (Indonesia): Indonesian experience on the outbreak of koi herpesvirus in koi and carp.

Mi-Young Cho (Republic of Korea): The status of viral diseases of carp in Korea: its control and research development.

Min-Kuanhong (China): Viral studies on carp disease in China - with a special reference to herpesvirus on common carp.

Ling Kai Huat (Singapore): Quarantine, surveillance and monitoring of koi herpesvirus in Singapore.

Somikiat Kanchanakhan (Thailand): Thailand's current quarantine status on aquatic animal disease.

Mamoru Yoshimizu (Japan): Survivability of fish pathogenic viruses in environmental water and inactivation and disinfection of fish viruses.

Kazumasa Ikuta (Japan): The present state of carp fisheries and aquaculture in Japan.

Hiroshi Kimiya (Japan): The status of koi herpesvirus disease and its management measures in Japan.

Motohiko Sano (Japan): Diagnosis of koi herpesvirus disease in Japan.

Yoji Takashima (Japan): The status of koi herpesvirus disease in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura.

Kazuo Yamada (Japan): The preventive measures against koi herpesvirus disease in fancy carp in Niigata Prefecture.

Satoshi Miwa (Japan): Further research plan for koi herpesvirus disease control in Japan.

Kazuya Nagasawa (Philippines): Proposed activities for koi herpesvirus disease at the Aquaculture Department of Southeast Asian Fisheries
Development Center.

In addition, a satellite meeting on "Pre-KHVD Symposium Meeting" was organized by the Government of Japan Trust Fund Fish Disease Project under the asupices of Dr. Kazuya Nagasawa at the Fisheries Research Agency, Yokohama, Japan, on 12 March 2004. Participants to this meeting were SEAFDEC AQD Chief, Dr. Rolando Platon, Dr. Kazuya Nagasawa, Dr. Gilda Lio-Po and scientists from SEAFDEC member countries who reported on the current status of the KHVD as well as the current status of fish disease quarantine and surveillance in their respective countries. The SEAFDEC member country participants were: Mr. Srun Lim Song (Cambodia), Dr. Chintana Chanthavisouk (Lao PDR), Dr. Agus Sunarto (Indonesia), Dr. Azilah bte Abdullah (Malaysia), Ms. Daw Myat Myat Htwe (Myanmar), Dr. Joselito R. Somga (Philippines), Dr. Ling Kai Huat (Singapore) and Ms. Tran Thi Kim Chi (Vietnam).
By and large, the two meetings highlighted the significance of this emerging disease, KHVD, in Asia. Baseline information on the disease outbreaks in Indonesia and Japan were reported. Likewise, research data on recent and ongoing studies conducted in USA, Israel, Japan and Europe were presented. All these information is essential in planning for studies on KHV under the Government of Japan Trust Fund Fish Disease Project that will eventually redound to the prevention of the transboundary movement of KHVD in Southeast Asia. 

Current Status of Transboundary Fish Diseases in Brunei Darussalam: Occurrence, Surveillance, Research and Training

Hajah Laila Haji Hamid
Department of Fisheries
3rd Floor, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources Bldg.
Jalan Menteri Besar, Berakas BB3910
Brunei Darussalam

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

I-1. Production of Common Carp and Koi

Culture of common carp and koi has been established in Brunei Darussalam since the freshwater fisheries sector started. Breeding and rearing of fry and fingerlings were limited and confined to the Department of Fisheries at the beginning, but towards the early part of the 21st century breeding and rearing technology of these two varieties was transferred to the private sector successfully. Production from common carp for the last five years is in Table
1.

Common carp comprises a significant percentage (60%) of freshwater fish production by private operators in Brunei Darussalam. Other freshwater fish produced are tilapias (30%), which includes red tilapia commonly called Kromis locally, and other local and exotic species (10%). The common carp is not found in wild habitats and the source of spawners was Malaysia. At

present, there is no export of common carp and its demand locally is on the same level as other freshwater fish. The production from koi for the last five years is summarized in Table 1.

oi is produced for two different purposes: first for ornamental purposes and second as food fish for other carnivorous species like Arowana (Scleropages sp.). Demand for the latter is higher and producers are more inclined towards production of koi carp for this purpose than for production as ornamental fish. Koi that are used as food fish (or "feeder koi”) are cultured for 45 days to 2 months, while ornamental koi has to be grown for 6 months to a year to get the desired coloration and patterns. The process of selection for ornamental koi takes time and yields fish that is only about 10% of the total production. The feeder koi can be harvested 5-6 times a year at lesser cost because of cheaper feeds and less maintenance. The sources of the spawners are Malaysia, Japan and Singapore. Koi is mainly kept in ponds for landscaping purposes and the fish are mostly imported.

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

Brunei Darussalam has no record of outbreaks of KHVD of common carp and koi.

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

II-1. Production of Shrimps

a. Production of Ttiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Penaeus monodon broodstock and spawners are mainly obtained from the waters of Brunei Darussalam that are caught by trawlers and almost all postlarvae are produced in local hatcheries in Brunei Darussalam. In 2001, since there was a breakthrough in blue shrimp, Litopenaeus stylirostris, broodstock development, the production of P. monodon decreased due to the lower demand by the industry from that year on. Nevertheless, grow-out
culture of P. monodon continued, but the local hatchery did not proceed with postlarvae production. This resulted in the importation of postlarvae from
East Malaysia. 

The production of shrimps in the last five years is summarized in Table 2. Of the values shown in the table from year 2001 to 2003, almost 90% was contributed by L. stylirostris and only 10% was production of P. monodon. Table 3 shows the combined volume of export and value of P. monodon and
L. stylirostris produced in Brunei Darussalam. The shrimps are mainly exported to the USA, Japan and other ASEAN countries. Tables 4 and 5 give
the comparative production in the hatchery of P. monodon and L. stylirostris.

b. Production of Blue Shrimp (Litopenaeus stylirostris)
The introduction of L. stylirostris revolutionized the shrimp industry of the country by increasing the productivity and sustainability of shrimp farms.

c. Production of Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Spawners of freshwater prawn are mainly collected from one of the main rivers of Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei River. Hatchery production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii started way back in 1983, but only at a small scale. When culture of P. monodon started in 1988, freshwater prawn culture
was completely stopped. Not until in 2001 when hatchery operations for freshwater prawn was again revived (Table 6). The demand for marketable prawn in  the local market is considered still good, but the supply from the Table 6. The production record of postlarvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii from the
local hatchery from 1999-2003

wild is decreasing maybe due to either resource depletion or habitat disturbances.

II-2. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

Brunei Darussalam has no recorded outbreaks of WSSV in cultured shrimps.

II-3. Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)
Brunei Darussalam has no recorded outbreaks of TSV in cultured shrimps.

II-4. Significant and Emerging Viral Diseases of Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Brunei Darussalam has no record for significant and emerging viral diseases of M. rosenbergii.

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

III-1. Responsible Facility and Personnel

The responsible facility for surveillance, monitoring and diagnosis of diseases of aquaculture species is the Quality Assurance Section of the Department of Fisheries with an email contact address at fiqc@fisheries.gov.bn. Diagnosis and inspection services are being done by both Fisheries Officer and Fisheries Assistants. Surveillance and monitoring for diseases of aquatic animals are conducted once a month by taking water and fish samples from both cage and pond culture systems. Altogether there are 33 cage culture operators, 14 shrimp pond operators, and 2 Department of Fisheries facilities with hatchery, nursery and grow-out ponds. The cages and ponds are located in three different districts in Brunei Darussalam. There are only two Fisheries Assistants to do this surveillance and monitoring work at present. The other activities that they are doing include red tide monitoring. If there are disease outbreaks, the Quality Assurance Section also receives direct reports from cage and pond operators, as well as from concerned citizens in their respective areas. The Quality Assurance Section has prepared a standard reporting procedure for any fish mortalities, which is caused by disease outbreaks.

III-2. Diagnostic Capabilities and Major Diseases of Aquatic Animals
The capability and contact numbers of the Quality Assurance Laboratory are in the following box. There are no serious diseases being reported. However, in most shrimp culture runs, there are reports of soft-shelled and broken sized shrimp obtained upon harvest.

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

IV-1. Responsible Agency and Personnel

At present there is no quarantine or disease screening procedure for imported and exported fish in Brunei Darussalam, but a health certificate from the country of origin is required. In Brunei Darussalam, the Quality Assurance Section of the Department of Fisheries is responsible for quarantine of aquatic animals. The quarantine area is still in the planning stage and it will be located at the nearest point of entry to the country such as the airport and at the immigration border points. The Department of Fisheries has existing facilities such as holding tanks and a fish disease laboratory to carry out quarantine.
The responsible person who will conduct quarantine and inspection services will be under the supervision of the Quarantine Officer with the assistance of two Junior Fisheries Assistants. The level of diagnosis to be used at quarantine stations will be only at Level 1.

IV-2. Procedures and Requirements for Importation

When importers want to bring live aquatic animals into Brunei Darussalam, the following requirements should be fulfilled:

Arriving Live Aquatic Animals at Port of Entry
1. The applicant submits an application form with an attached Business Registration Certificate. This is based on Section 16 and 17 of the Fisheries Operation Document issued by the Attorney General Chambers of Brunei Darussalam. A copy of the applicant's identification card is also required.
2. The applicant must be a citizen of Brunei Darussalam with a permanent resident status.
3. The applicant undergoes an interview for more data gathering.
4. The applicant's facilities and equipment will be inspected.
5. Upon endorsement, application for export permit will be issued under the following conditions:
- Payment of Licence fee of B$ 20.00 per consignment;
- The importer agrees with the conditions for importing of live fish;
and
- The applicant agrees and signs the rules and regulations with regards for importing live fish.

The following activities will be done randomly upon arrival of the consignment of imported fish (mainly aquarium fishes):

1. The quarantine officer conducts a preliminary visual inspection of the shipment for any sign of abnormalities and to observe fish behavior at the port of entry. He obtains 10% of fish or a maximum of 30 fish from each shipment of live fish and brings the sample for further laboratory examinations for bacteria and parasites;
2. After inspection, the quarantine officer prepares a report and release of the fish consignment depends upon the technical findings; and
3. If the quarantine officer is not satisfied with the health status of the consignment, all the fish will be transferred to the holding tanks at the quarantine facilities for further observations. Depending on the result, the shipment or consignment can be further treated or destroyed.

The Fisheries Act Chapter 61 (Paragraph 5, Fisheries Regulations) states that anybody found guilty of violating import regulations will be given three
consecutive warnings. When the offenses reach the fourth time, the applicant will be then referred to the court action and will be charged accordingly. The above documents are required before importation of any fish, either for consumption or aquarium purposes, into the country. For importation of aquarium fishes, and shrimps broodstock and postlarvae, a health certificate is required from the country of origin. While for fishes for consumption purposes, permits are the only requirements.

IV-3. List of Quarantinable Diseases of Aquatic Animals in Brunei Darussalam

Table 7 lists the quarantinable diseases and related information on period of holding and treatment, where necessary.

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

There are no research activities, but there is a program to produce and maintain Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) broodstock for L. stylirostris. At present the Department of Fisheries is the only agency conducting a minor fish disease research in Brunei Darussalam. There is only one report on the prevention and control of diseases in cage culture systems in Brunei Darussalam in English published in 1999 for the Department of Fisheries by Dr. L.K.S.W. Balasuriya, Fish Disease Pathologist from Sri Lanka. As for training, the Quality Assurance Section of the Department of Fisheries is the only agency conducting training on Fish Diseases. At present, there is no training for quarantine, diagnosis and surveillance of aquatic animals in the country, but we do have related seminars from time to time

conducted by outside consultants, such as from Malaysia. The recent training was done in March 2004, which involved both the Department of Fisheries Personnel and fish and shrimp operators. The topic covered was related to both cage and pond management. The country needs training of more staff who will support the needs for surveillance, monitoring and diagnosis, especially to enhance activities in Level I, II and III diagnoses.

Reference
Balasuriya LKSW. 1999. Prevention and Control of Diseases in Cage Culture Systems in Brunei Darussalam. Department of Fisheries, Brunei Darussalam.

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

Bun Racy
Laboratory of Inland Fisheries Research Institute
#186 Norodom Blvd.
Chamchamon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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

I-1. Production of Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio (common carp) is regarded as one of the most important freshwater fish and considered prized food in Asia. This species was introduced into Cambodia in 1982 from Vietnam for aquaculture in ponds and rice field. The fish can grow to 700-1,200 grams during the first year of culture. Common  carp culture in Cambodia is small scale and products are solely for local consumption. There is no information about annual productivity of common carp in the country. Common carp are not found in natural water bodies like rivers and streams. For cultured stocks, sources of spawners or brood stock, and fingerlings are the two hatcheries of the Department of Fisheries located at:
• Research Station, Kilometer No. 9; and
• Batie Prey Veng.

I-2. Production of Koi
Information on koi culture is not available in Cambodia.

I-3. Koi Herpesvirus Disease (KHVD) of Common Carp and Koi
There is no information KHVD in common carp and koi in Cambodia.

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

II-1. Production and Viral Diseases of Shrimps

Shrimps, Penaeus monodon and P. merguiensis, are cultured in brackishwater ponds. Shrimp culture activities are conducted in two provinces: Kompot and Koh Kong. Culture methods used are traditional extensive, modern extensive and intensive systems (Table 1).

From 1993-1998, shrimp farming in Koh Kong Province increased tremendously until a total of 740 ha was developed. Table 2 shows shrimp production from 1994 to 1998. In 1999, there were problems with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), monodon baculovirus (MBV), and yellow-head disease (YHD) causing farmers to stop culture. At present, shrimp farming is going on in extensive ponds in significantly smaller area (around 20 ha remaining in operation).

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

III-1. Responsible Facility and Personnel

The main institute that is responsible for diagnosis and inspection services of aquatic animal diseases is the Laboratory of Fish Disease of the Department
of Fisheries located in the following address: 

Department of Fisheries
Inland Fisheries Research Development Institute
Laboratory of Fish Disease
No. 186, Norodom Blvd., Sankat Tonle Bassac
Khan Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh
Cambodia

III-2. Diagnostic Capabilities and Major Diseases of Aquatic Animals

Based on the levels of diagnosis described below, diagnostic procedures used are between Levels II and III, although only PCR method is the only Level III method that is currently available. The laboratory is starting to develop capability in virology, especially in cell line culture and maintenance. 

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 Parasitological,  Bacteriology, Mycology, and Histopathology (Laboratory Diagnosis)

Level III: Diagnostic activities include Virology, Electron microscopy, Molecular biology and Immunology (Laboratory Diagnosis)

The table below lists government-, private-, and university-based Fish Health laboratories and their level of diagnostic capability.

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

IV-1. Responsible Agency and Personnel

The Department of Fisheries is responsible for quarantine of aquatic animals. When aquatic animals arrive in the country, they are quarantined at the airport until the importing company passes the quarantine standard. The Fish Health inspector will inspect the animals at the quarantine zone and samples will be taken and sent to the laboratory for pathogen detection. Inspection will be conducted by the Fish Quarantine Inspector at the point of entry or at the quarantine zone at the importing the farm.

IV-2. Procedures and Requirements for Importation

Following are steps that importers follow when they want to bring in live
aquatic animals into the country:
1. Pre-arrival: file an application for animal importation.
a. Provide a photo or drawing to describe the species to be imported.
b. Describe the biological characteristics and provide data on the positive economic effect of species to be imported

2. Animal arrival at the point of entry: Fish should be accompanied by a health certificate from the exporting country
a. Fish will be examined for pathogens.
b. If quarantinable pathogens are found, treatment will be applied for those with known treatment.

IV-3. List of Quarantinable Diseases of Aquatic Animals

There is a need to improve human resource capability and laboratory facilities in order to come up with the list of Quarantinable Diseases of Aquatic
Animals, and to comply with the disease reporting system in the Asian region. Specifically, there is a need for the following:

- Diagnostic capability for viral diseases (MBV, TSV, WSSV, YHD and VNN;
- Capacity building in risk analysis, procedures for monitoring and disease surveillance;
- Establishment of a laboratory in the Department of Fisheries with modern equipment and trained manpower for disease identification;
- Strengthen the exchange of information in transboundary aquatic animal pathogens between countries; and
- Develop national reporting systems of aquatic animal diseases.

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

A training or workshop on how to conduct proper diseases surveillance, and reporting for the region is needed.

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

Agus Sunarto¹, Widodo^2, Taukhid¹, Isti Koesharyani¹
Hambali Supriyadi¹, Lila Gardenia¹, Budi Sugianti³
and Djumbuh Rukmono⁴

¹Fish Health Research Laboratory, Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Jl. Ragunan 20, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta, Indonesia

² Centre for Fish Quarantine, Secretariat General
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Soekarno-Hattta International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia

³Centre for Fish Quarantine, Secretariat General
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Jl. MT Haryono Kav 52-5, Jakarta, Indonesia

⁴Directorate of Fish Health and Environment
Directorate General for Aquaculture
Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Jl. Harsono RM, Building B, 4th Floor, Ragunan, Jakarta, Indonesia

Introduction

Aquaculture industry in Indonesia has been growing rapidly in the past decade. It plays an important role in rural development, a source for export earning, and has been a leading sector in economic growth. This development is supported by a great potential of resources. The total potential area for aquaculture industry development is estimated at 27,671,778 ha, consisting of about 24,528,178 ha for marine, 913,000 ha for brackishwater ponds and 2,230,600 ha for freshwater culture (Table 1). However, concurrent with aquaculture potential, substantial problems are being faced because they hamper the development of aquaculture. The main problem encountered along with aquaculture production in Indonesia has always been associated with disease outbreaks and environmental pollution. Substantial economic losses in Indonesian aquaculture have been mainly due to serious disease outbreaks. Recently, the National Fish Health

Commission (NFHC) declared 4 major economically-important diseases of aquatic animals in Indonesian aquaculture: white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), Taura syndome virus (TSV) in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in grouper (Cromileptes altivelis and Epinephelus spp.) and seabass (Lates calcarifer), and koi herpesvirus (KHV) in koi and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). All of the diseases are associated with transboundary introduction or movement of aquatic species (Table 2).

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

I-1. Production of Common Carp and Koi

a. Production of Common Carp

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the main freshwater fish cultured in Indonesia. Annual production of cultured common carp in the last five years
follows 56,546 metric tons (MT)(1998), 57,278 MT (1999), 75,322 MT (2000), 76,475 MT (2001), and 83,885 MT (2002)(DGA, 2003). Fifty percent
of this annual production is contributed in West Java. In addition to the cultured common carp, the fish are also found in wild habitats such as rivers,
lakes and reservoirs. However, there are no available data of carp production in the wild.
There are 13 local strains of common carp in Indonesia: namely Majalaya, Rajadanu, Sutisna Kuningan, Sianjur Wildan, Aki Ending Cianjur,
Cangkringan, Samin Sumbar, Kancra Domas, Karper Kaca, Sinyonya, Punten, Merah Sumbar and Bali. Spawners, broodstock or fingerlings are
locally available. Indonesia does not import or export common carp. The broodstock are usually kept in earthen ponds or concrete tanks and the seeds
are produced either by provincial breeding centres (Balai Benih Ikan, BBI) or by farmers. The eggs and juveniles are produced using combination of
hatchery and outdoor pond facilities. Hatched larvae obtained through egg stripping are kept inside the hatchery until they start swimming few days
after hatching. The major food for the larvae are Daphnia or Moina, rotifers, and artificial diet. The larvae are then raised into fingerlings in nursery ponds,
prior to stocking into growout ponds or cages. The annual production of common carp seeds is around 10 billion/year. There are three types of common carp culture systems: floating netcage culture in lakes or reservoirs, running water system (raceway) in rivers or streams, and in earthen ponds. The floating net-cages apply a double cage culture system whereby the upper cage measures 7 ' 7 m with 2.5 m water depth and used for common carp, and the lower layer is for Nile tilapia. Running water culture systems are situated in the bank of a river and measures 7 ' 2.5 m with 1.5 m water depth. Earthen pond extensive culture system has low stocking density and located in a shallow water pond. This system has less water exchange, and poor quality of feed and
other management measures. The production of common carp in Indonesia is hampered by the shortage of good quality broodstocks and seeds, and, recently, by mass mortality due to koi herpesvirus (KHV). The government promotes selective breeding program to ensure the quality of broodstock and seeds. However, there are no effective management measures to control the KHV outbreak.

b. Production of Koi
Koi (Cyprinus carpio) is an important freshwater ornamental fish cultured in Indonesia. However, there is lack of information on its annual production. Koi is cultured in various systems as shown in Table 3. Indonesia mainly imports high quality koi broodstock from China, Japan and Singapore. The quality of color of koi mostly depends on its genetic make-up (70%), water quality (20%) and other factors (10%). The optimum water quality for cultured koi includes pH of 7.2-7.4, low level of iron, chlorine and sulfur, high dissolved oxygen and temperature range of 25- 30⁰C.

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

a. History, Geographic Distribution and Clinical Signs
The first episode of mass mortalities of cultured koi was recorded in March 2002 in Blitar, East Java. It occurred after heavy rains among fishes newly introduced from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. The fish were imported from China through Hong Kong in December 2001 and January 2002. The outbreak occurred in koi of all ages causing mortality of up to 80-95%. The diseased fish showed a blister-like lesion on the skin, called ‘penyakit melepuh' 
in Indonesian language. Although gill damage was also observed in the diseased fish, not much attention was given to that clinical sign. Blitar is well known as the centre for koi production in the country. The koi, including the infected fish batch, were distributed all over the country, with Central Java, West Java
and Jakarta as the main market (Sunarto et al., 2002). The second disease outbreak occurred in cultured common carp at the end of April of 2002 in Subang regency, West Java. Due to immediate harvest, there was an over supply of fish in the region. Therefore, farmers sold the infected fish at very low price (Rp 3,000/kg; normal price Rp 7,000/kg). After this, the outbreaks spread to neighboring provinces mainly through fish movements. The third episode of the outbreak occurred in May to early June 2002 in cultured common carp in floating net-cages in the Citarum river system. The system is composed of the Saguling reservoir in the upper reaches, Cirata in the middle, and Jatiluhur down stream. There are 4,425, 33,000, and 2,000 units of floating net-cages, mostly with common carp, in Saguling, Cirata and Jatiluhur reservoirs, respectively. Weeks before the outbreak, farmers introduced common carp from the Subang region to this system due to the low price of fish. The fourth episode of the outbreak occurred in cultured common carp during in February 2003 in Lubuk Lingau regency, South Sumatera. The gross signs of the diseased common carp were extremely similar with that observed previously in koi and common carp in Java islands. Common carp farms at Lubuk Lingau were infected with the disease coming from Cirata reservoir, West Java through fish transfer by traders. The outbreak then spread to neighbouring districts and provinces including Bengkulu in the south and Jambi in the west.

b. Species Affected
Although the disease was observed as being highly contagious and extremely virulent, morbidity and mortality were restricted to koi and common carp populations. Several other species stocked within the same ponds or cages remained completely asymptomatic to the disease. However, it is not known yet whether these fish harbor the virus and act as carriers. Screening of other cultured and wild fishes collected from the same cage, pond or canal of surrounding farm showed PCR negative results against KHV. The fish include Nile tilapia, giant gouramy, native catfish and Siam catfish.

Fig. 1. Geographical distribution of reported KHV in Indonesia. Pink areas indicate no data. Green areas indicate no reported KHV, red areas have reported KHV in either common carp or koi (Cameron, 2003)

c. Diagnosis
A case definition was established as an important step in the disease investigation in order to determine whether an individual fish, pond or tank is suffering from KHV disease or not. The case definition was used to minimize mis-diagnosis. The case definition included high mortality in koi or common carp, in which the fish shows gill damage, with or without other skin lesions. The only consistent clinical sign found during the outbreak was severe gill necrosis. Therefore, this pathognomonic clinical signs was used to establish a presumptive diagnosis against KHV (Level I diagnosis). Although KHV histopathological changes (Level II diagnosis) were not obviously observed in most of the diseased fish, some of diseased fish showed consistent findings with various lesions. These include intranuclear amphophilic inclusion bodies with peripheral chromatin margination within the gill epithelium. Similar inclusions were also observed within the kidney tubular epithelium accompanied by nephrocalcinosis. PCR detection (Level III diagnosis) of KHV was carried out using specific primers set developed by Gray et al. (2002) and Gilad et al. (2002). 

d. Socio-economic Impact
The first report regarding the economic losses due to the outbreak was made by the head of the Association of Ornamental Fish Culture of Blitar regency, East Java. They reported that in Blitar alone, the outbreak destroyed high quality koi belonging to 5,000 fish farmers with economic losses of more than Rp5 billion (US$ 0.5 millions) within the first 3-months of the outbreak. As of July 2002, the Task Force estimated that the loss of revenue in the sector
and the socio-economic impact to the rural farming communities was in the region of US$5 million. As the outbreaks continued to spread to new areas,
the socio-economic impact due to the diseases escalated. The Directorate of Fish Health and Environment (DFHE) estimated that as of December 2002
and 2003, losses due to the outbreak were US$10 million and US$15 million, respectively.

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

II-1. Production of Shrimps

a. Production of Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Culture of black tiger shrimp (P. monodon) is the most important aquaculture industry in Indonesia. It is notable that Indonesia has a large potential area of
approximately 4 million ha of mangrove tidal swamps for shrimp culture, plus generations of experience in shrimp pond aquaculture. The government has
given high priority to shrimp aquaculture. Since the government launched the programme on shrimp pond intensification in 1984, referred to as ‘program
intensifikasi tambak' in the Indonesian language, shrimp pond culture has rapidly expanded. This programme has been successful in increasing shrimp
production from 15,400 MT in 1986 to 159,597 MT in 2002 (DGA , 2004) (Table 4).

b. Production of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The Government of Indonesia released a permit that allowed importation of Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei) on 10 October 2000 for research purposes
only. The exotic shrimp was imported from Taiwan, Hawaii and America (Table 5). Based on Ministerial Decree No. 4/2001 dated 14 July 2001, the government allowed importation of Pacific white shrimp for culture purpose. Since then, the shrimp has been cultured in 15 out of 30 provinces in Indonesia, namely North Sumatera, West Sumatera, South Sumatera, Riau, Bengkulu, Lampung, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Jogjakarta, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan. Up to July 2002, the production of the shrimp was 27,000 MT (Sugama, 2002). The broodstocks were imported from Taiwan, Hawaii and USA. The seeds are either imported or produced by local hatcheries. Local hatcheries in Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java and Bali produced 5-30 million seeds/cycle.

c. Production of Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii) was mainly cultured in Java and Bali. The average annual production of freshwater prawn is 400 MT per year. The seeds are produced by either private or governmental breeding units (Table 6).

Freshwater prawn is cultured in earthen ponds or rice fields. The minimum size of the pond is 1000 m2. There are at least four types of freshwater pond culture systems; monoculture, polyculture with freshwater finfish, integrated with paddy field, and integrated with poultry culture. No importation of
freshwater prawn has been recorded. 

II-2. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

The disease occurred in on-growing juvenile shrimp of all ages and sizes. Moribund shrimp displayed red discoloration and white spots on the inside
surface of carapace, body shell and appendages. The spots ranged from 0.5 to 3.0 mm in diameter. The lymphoid organ of the diseased shrimp was swollen and shrunken.

a. Species Affected
The disease affected both cultured and wild penaeid shrimps. The major cultured shrimp species in Indonesia are black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
and white shrimp (P. merguiensis). Infection with WSSV was also found in wild shrimp, Metapenaeus ensis. Recently, Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei)
was also affected by the disease, but WSSV infection has not yet been reported in L. stylirostris.

b. Epidemiology

Since the middle of 1994, a disease that caused cumulative mortality of up to 100% was reported in numerous shrimp farms in northern coast of East, Central and West Java, Indonesia. The new disease, in which the pathognomonic characteristic sign was the presence of white spots on the cuticle, referred to as white spot syndrome (‘penyakit bercak putih' in the Indonesian language), was the most threatening disease that had ever occurred in Indonesian shrimp farms. The two earlier viral diseases of shrimp, i.e. monodon baculovirus (MBV) and yellow head virus (YHV) were less pathogenic than the newly emerged white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS). 

The economic impact of WSSV in Indonesian shrimp industry is difficult to determine. It is estimated that in 1999 only 20% of shrimp ponds were in operation. Many of the ponds remained un-operated, with some being converted to milkfish ponds. This phenomenon may be associated with environment
deterioration and disease outbreaks, particularly WSSV. 

c. Geographic Distribution and Transmission Issues

Outbreak of WSSV was first reported to occur in black tiger shrimp in Probolinggo, East Java and later in Tangerang, Serang and Karawang, West Java. The disease, causing severe losses, has spread to Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Sumatera. Virtually, the disease has spread throughout the country. The disease is vertically transmitted from infected broodstock to its offspring and horizontally transmitted from infected carriers and contaminated environment.

d. Availability of Diagnostics (Levels I, II and III)

At the farmer-level and district laboratories, WSSV may be diagnosed based on its pathognomonic clinical signs, i.e. the appearance of white spots in the carapace and body surface (diagnostic Level I). Histopathological changes (diagnostic Level II) and molecular-based methods (diagnostic Level III) are also used as a confirmative diagnosis for the disease. Almost all major fish disease laboratories are equipped with PCR units and capable for detection of WSSV.

e. Preventive and Control Methods
Managing WSSV should be done in all levels of shrimp production starting from shrimp hatchery up to the grow-out ponds. In hatcheries, PCR technique
is used for screening broodstock before spawning. Only broodstocks that are free from WSSV are used as spawners. The postlarvae (PLs) should also be screened for WSSV. If infected, the whole tank should be disinfected with with 20 ppm chlorine and then discarded. The combination of PCR technique and formalin treatment has been proven as the best strategy for managing WSSV in grow-out ponds. The benefit of PCR screening combined with formalin treatment is to maintain low-intensity of WSSV infections in shrimp, hence significantly reducing the disease outbreak in ponds. We adopted the technique developed by Chanratchakool and Limsuwan (1994). WSSV-free PLs are bathed in 150 ppm formalin for 30 minutes to separate the weak and unhealthy individuals. Only the healthy PLs, which actively swimming against the water current, are then stocked into the ponds. WSSV status during the rearing periods is monitored through regular PCR checking at day 25 and day 55. Semi-quantitative PCR technique allows us to distinguished light and severe infection of WSSV. If the WSSV infection is light, the culture may be continued with improvement of culture condition. However, when the WSSV infection is severe, immediate harvest is the only way to reduce more economic losses on the part of the farmer. To maintain low level of WSSV infection, bio-security concept should be applied. Closed system with zero or minimum water exchange might be the best solution to have consistent and environmentally sound shrimp production. The key component of closed system is the application of bioremediator (probiotic) and vigorous aeration.
Managing WSSV outbreak in grow-out shrimp may also be achieved through enhancement of shrimp defence mechanism using immunostimulants such as fucoidan, peptidoglycan, and lipopolysaccharide. Combination of prophylactic measures such as screening of PLs using PCR, use of specificpathogen-
free broodstock and PLs, application of immunostimulants, and good management practices will be helpful in controlling WSSV outbreak in Indonesian shrimp farms. 

II-3. Taura Syndrome Virus (TSV)

The Government of Indonesia officially released a permit that allowed importation of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in 1999. The
exotic shrimps should only be imported from Taura syndrome-free country. However, since November 2002, Taura Syndrome caused by Taura syndrome
virus (TSV), an RNA virus, has been reported in L. vannamei in East Java. 

a. Clinical Signs
TSV mostly caused mortality in 1-2 months old L. vannamei reared in intensive culture systems at the stocking density of 120 PLs/m2. Affected shrimp show reddish discoloration on the tail and multifocal necrosis shown as black spots on the body.

b. Economic Losses
The disease caused up to 75% mortality, but there are no data on the economic impact of TSV to the Indonesian shrimp industry. It is suspected that the disease came to Indonesia due to illegal importation of broodstock and PL from sources with unreliable health status.

c. Epidemiology and Geographic Distribution
In response to Dr. Lightner's letter dated 4 November 2002 to the OIE pertaining to the ‘confirmation of TSV in Indonesia', the Government of Indonesia conducted active surveillance in the islands of Java (East, Central and West Java) and Sumatera (Lampung province). TSV was first reported to occur in L. vannamei in 2002. Despite active surveillance in L. vannamei, TSV infection was not found in West Java and Banten provinces. However, most L. vannamei originating from East Java (Banyuwangi, Situbondo, Pasuruan, Bangil, Sidoarjo, Malang) were TSV positive. It is suspected that TSV first occurred in Banyuwangi and Situbondo before it spread to other districts in East Java through movement of infected post larvae. Banyuwangi and Situbondo are important production centers for P. monodon and L. vannamei, producing both PLs and marketable shrimps. Samples of P. monodon originating from Brebes (Central Java), Situbondo (East Java) and Bali islands were also PCR positive for TSV. The virus has also been found in L. vannamei from Maros (Sulawesi Islands) and Sumbawa Islands.

d. Diagnostic Methods
Capability to diagnose shrimp viruses at all levels of diagnosis (Level I, II or III) is available in the country. However, PCR technique using both commercial kits and primers based on the OIE Manual were used as confirmatory diagnosis for the disease.

e. Prevention and Control Methods
To prevent the introduction of TSV to their farms, most of shrimp farmers use specific-pathogen-free (SPF) and specific-pathogen-resistant (SPR) postlarvae, which are imported from Hawaii and Florida. The shrimp are then cultured in ponds that strictly apply bio-secure concepts similar with those for
prevention of WSSV. 

II-4. Significant and Emerging Viral Diseases of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

No significant emerging viral disease of freshwater prawn has been recorded. This may be due to lack of intensive research on diseases affecting freshwater prawn.

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

III-1. Responsible Facility and Personnel

Since the Directorate General of Fisheries was promoted to become the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in 2001, three principal institutions
have been created with mandates related to fish health management including surveillance, monitoring and diagnosis. These institutions are the Directorate
for Fish Health and the Environment (DFHE) under the Directorate General for Aquaculture, the Center for Fish Quarantine (CFQ) under the Secretariat
General, and the Central Research Institute for Aquaculture (CRIA) under the Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research (AMFR) (Appendix 1). Arthur
(2003) advised that coordination and cooperation between the three principal government agencies involved in fish health management should be further
developed and strengthened through interagency consultative and working groups (Appendix 2). There are also various commissions and committees,
universities, professional associations, private sector representatives and other stakeholders who are concerned with the status of fish health management
in the country.

III-2. Diagnostic Capabilities and Major Diseases of Aquatic Animals

a. Fish Health Laboratories
Although Indonesia has a long history of work on fish diseases, there is very limited expertise and laboratory facilities within the country (Appendix 3). Most laboratories in Indonesia fall under Level I and Level II categories, capable of conducting fish disease diagnosis based on clinical signs and observation of environmental changes (Level I), and microbiology and histopathology (Level II). Viral diseases are becoming increasingly important to Indonesian aquaculture, and the country currently has little expertise or facilities to conduct research in this area. Specifically, there is lack of laboratory facilities and expertise for fish virology. A national laboratory for fish virology is being set up. However, staff expertise needs to be further developed. Despite the constraints, research activities related to virology have been initiated at the Fish Health Research Laboratory in Jakarta, Gondol Research Station for Coastal Fisheries in Bali, and Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre in Jepara.

b. Economically-Important Diseases of Aquatic Animals
The 4 major economically-important diseases of aquatic animals in Indonesian aquaculture declared by the National Fish Health Commission (NFHC) are shown in Table 7.

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

IV-1. Responsible Agency and Personnel

The Center for Fish Quarantine (CFQ) of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) located in Jakarta manages fish quarantine in Indonesia. The Director of the Centre is under the supervision of the Secretary General of MMAF. The Director of the center supervises 41 Fish Quarantine Implementing Units consisting of 2 Fish Quarantine Regional Offices, 12 Fish Quarantine Stations and 27 Fish Quarantine Sub-Stations that are located all over the country.

IV-2. Procedure/Requirements for Imported/Arriving Live Fish/Crustaceans at Port of Entry

According to the regulations on importation of fish, all importation of live fish, dead fish, and fish product is subject to the following conditions:
a. Importation must be made through designated points of entry;
b. It should be accompanied by a Fish Health Certificate; and
c. It should be notified and submitted to a Fish Quarantine Inspector upon arrival of the consignment.

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, importation of live fish must be covered by an Import Permit, which may require additional conditions for the
said importation. The additional conditions will be determined on case-by-case basis by the Director General of Fish Culture depending on the risk involved.

a. Import Permit
The application for import permit shall be made in writing to the Director General of Fish Culture prior to importation of the fish. Copies of the application
shall be sent to the Center for Fish Quarantine. Any applicant who has obtained a fish import permit shall contact the Center for Fish Quarantine so that technical requirements for proper handling of the imported fish during the quarantine period can be prepared.

b. Quarantine Actions
1. Inspection
a) Inspection of documents
Inspection of documents is performed to determine the presence of required documents, such as import permit and Fish Health Certificate. If the required documents are present, the consignment is subjected to health inspection.
b) Inspection of consignment
When the required documents are fulfilled, the inspection of consignment is performed to detect the presence of quarantinable diseases. Inspection of consignment may be done on board or after it has been unloaded from the means of conveyance.

2. Detention
If after inspection it becomes evident that required documents have been fully complied with, carriers of pest and diseases may be detained for observation at a fish quarantine establishment. 

3. Isolation and Observation
For further detection of certain quarantinable pests and diseases, which due to their nature, requires a definitely long period, special facilities, and controlled environmental conditions, carriers of pest and diseases that have been inspected may be isolated for observation. According to the MOA Decree
No. 265 of 1990, isolation and observation in certain cases can be conducted at an approved private fish quarantine establishment.

4. Treatment
Treatment shall be performed if after observation it becomes evident that:
a) The carrier is infested or infected, or suspected being infested by quarantinable pest and diseases, or
b) The carrier is not free or suspected of being not free from quarantinable pest and diseases.

5. Refusal of Entry
Carriers of quarantinable pest and diseases shall be refused entry if it becomes evident that:
a) After inspection on board, the carrier is infested by certain quarantinable pest and diseases designated by the Government, or in a decaying
condition or damage, or belong to species prohibited to be imported.
b) The required quarantine documents have not yet been complied with, or
c) After treatment on board, the carrier cannot be freed from inspection of quarantine pest and diseases.

6. Destruction
Carriers of quarantinable pest and diseases shall be destroyed if it become evident that:
a) After discharge from conveyance and subsequent inspection, the carrier is infested by quarantinable pest and diseases, or is in decaying condition, damage, or belong to those species prohibited to be imported. 
b) After refusal of entry, the carrier is not moved out (re-export) of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia by its owner within the stipulated
period of time, or
c) After observation in isolation, the carrier is not free from quarantinable pest and diseases, or
d) After discharge from the conveyance and subsequent treatment, the carrier cannot be freed from quarantine pest and diseases.

7. Release
Carrier of quarantine pest and diseases shall be released if it becomes evident that:

a) After inspection, the carrier is free from quarantinable pest and diseases,
or
b) After observation in isolation, the carrier is free from quarantinable
pest and diseases, or
c) After treatment, the carrier can be freed from quarantine pest and
diseases, or
d) After detention, the required documents have been fully complied with.

c. Rules and Regulations
Basic and fundamental to fish quarantine measures in Indonesia is Law No. 16 of 1992 concerning Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine, which was
published and came into effect on 8 June 1992. In general, with the issuance of this law, all regulations issued before it became invalid. However, all existing executive regulations, as long as they are not in contradiction with this law, remain in force pending the issuance of new executive regulations under this law. Furthermore, by the enaction of Government Regulation No. 15 of 2002 concerning Fish Quarantine, basic legal conditions required for the
implementation of fish quarantine actions became stronger. Law No. 16 of 1992 and Government Regulation No. 15 of 2002 put into order, among others,
basic provision on quarantine requirement, quarantine actions, quarantine area, kinds of pests and their carrier, places of entry and export, development of
quarantine mindedness, investigation and penalty. As already mentioned earlier, existing executive regulations remain in force as long as they are not in
contradiction with Law No. 16 of 1992. A comprehensive list of legislations related to fish quarantine and legislation, and on the restriction of movement
of certain fish species are in Appendix 4 and 5, respectively. 

d. Facilities, Standard Methods and Manpower
Diagnostic methods for aquatic animal diseases that have already been set up and recommended by the OIE will be adopted. By using that method, accurate results will be achieved and the risk on the introduction of dangerous pathogens can be mitigated or eliminated. Most developed countries have already set up complex conditions and requirements that should be met by their trading partners. To fulfill those requirements, countries need to develop capability to adopt the standard and code recommended by the OIE, such as setting up of facilities and laboratories for fish disease diagnosis. On the other hand, there is also a need to improve fish health status by upgrading culture methods and sanitation system in fish production facilities.
As already mentioned, standards and codes on aquatic animal health recommended by the OIE have to be adopted by WTO member countries. The Government of Indonesia is aware that technical capability of quarantine inspectors on virus detection is very limited. It is, therefore, recommended that ASEAN will organize a training in order to strengthen capability in protecting the region from introduced viral diseases of common concern. Recognizing this
situation, Indonesia recently conducted trainings on disease diagnostics using histopathology and PCR technology. These trainings were conducted in
collaboration with universities and research institutes. Standardized training on aquatic animal diseases organized by the ASEAN will be more effective to
properly improve technical capability of fish quarantine inspectors in the region. 

IV-3. List of Quarantinable/Notifiable Fish/Crustacean Diseases in Indonesia

Based on Ministerial Decree No. 17/2003, there are 51 quarantinable fish diseases in Indonesia. Of these, 18 are viral, 11 bacterial, 5 mycotic and 17 are
parasitic diseases.

A. Viral Diseases
1. Channel catfish virus disease (CCVD)
2. Spring viraemia of carp (SVC) & Swimbladder inflammation (SBI)
3. Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN)
4. Infectious haematopoetic necrosis (IHN)
5. Lymphocystis
6. Infectious hypodermal and haematopoetic necrosis virus (IHHNV)
7. Baculovirus penaei (BP)
8. Monodon baculovirus (MBV)
9. Baculovirus midgut gland necrosis (BMGN)
10. Yellow head disease (YHD)
11. Hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV)
12. Taura syndrome virus (TSV)
13. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV)
14. Golden eye disease (GED) or Sleepy grouper disease (SGD)
15. Lymphoidal parvovirus
16. Type C baculovirus (TCBV)
17. Viral nervous necrosis (VNN)
18. Epithelioma papillosum (Herpesvirus cyprini)

B. Bacterial Diseases
1. Furunculosis (Aeromonas salmonocida)
2. Bacterial kidney disease (BKD) (Renibacterium salmoninarum)
3. Fish mycobacteriosis (Mycobacterium marinum, M. fortuitum, M. chelonei)
4. Nocardiosis (Nocardia sp.)
5. Edwarsiellosis (Edwardsiella tarda)
6. Enteric septicaemia of catfish (Edwardsiella ictaluri)
7. Streptococcosis (Streptococcus sp.)
8. Pasteurellosis (Pasteurella piscicida)
9. Enteritic red mouth disease (Yersinia ruckeri)
10. Gaffkemia (Aeromonas invadans var. homari)
11. Red spot disease (Pseudomonas anguilliseptica)

C. Mycotic Diseases
1. Sand paper disease/Swinging disease/Ichthyoporosis (Ichthyophonus hofferi)
2. Branchiomycosis (Branchiomyces sanguinis)
3. Branchiomycosis (Branchiomyces demigrane)
4. Aphanomycosis (Aphanomyces astaci)
5. Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (Aphanomyces invadans)

D. Parasitic Diseases
1. Whirling disease (Myxobolus/Myxosoma cerebralis)
2. Pleistophorosis (Pleisthopora hyphessobrycon)
3. Pleistophorosis (Pleisthopora anguillarum)
4. Ceratomyxosis (Ceratomyxa shasta)
5. Henneguyan disease (Henneguya exiilis)
6. Cotton shrimp disease (Thelohania duorara)
7. Cotton shrimp disease (Thelohania penaei)
8. Bonamiosis (Bonamia ostreae)
9. Haplosporidiosis (Haplosporidium nelsonii)
10. Haplosporidiosis (Haplosporidium costale)
11. Marteilosis (Marteilia refrigens)
12. Marteilosis (Marteilia sydneyii)
13. Perkinsiosis (Perkinsus marinus)
14. Ergasiliosis (Ergasilus sieboldi)
15. White tumor in siam catfish (Nosema sp.)
16. Lytoceatosis (Lytoceatus parvulus)
17. Paragonimiasis (Paragonimus pulmonalis)

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

Current research activities are mainly focused on the four major fish diseases: WSSV, TSV, VNN and KHV and conducted at the Fish Health Research Laboratory, Research Institute for Freshwater Fisheries in Bogor, West Java. Research is also going on at the Research Institute for Brackiswater Fisheries in Maros, South Sulawesi and at the Research Institute for Coastal Fisheries in Gondol, Bali.

There are also various implementing units under Directorate General of Aquaculture where research is conducted to some extent. These are the:

1. Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBBAP, Jepara)
2. Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBAP, Situbondo)
3. Marine Aquaculture Development Centre (BBL, Lampung)
4. Freshwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBAT, Sukabumi)
5. Freshwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBAT, Jambi)
6. Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBAP, Takalar)
7. Marine Aquaculture Development Centre (LBL, Batam)
8. Marine Aquaculture Development Centre (LBL, Ujung Bate)
9. Marine Aquaculture Development Centre (LBL, Lombok)
10. Freshwater Aquaculture Development Centre (LBAT, Mandiangin)
11. Marine Aquaculture Development Centre (LBL, Ambon)
12. Freshwater Aquaculture Development Centre (LBAT, Tatelu)

In addition, there are other implementing units under the Provincial Fisheries Service:
13. Marine and Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (UPBAPL Karawang, West Java)
14. Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (UPBAP Bangil, East Java)
15. Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre (BBAP Pangkep, South Sulawesi) University-based research is being conducted at:
16. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bogor Agricultural University, West Java
17. Faculty of Fisheries, Bogor Agricultural University, West Java
18. Faculty of Fisheries, Diponegoro University, Central Java
19. Faculty of Fisheries, Gajah Mada University, Jogjakarta
20. Faculty of Fisheries, Airlangga University, East Java
21. Faculty of Fisheries, Brawijaya University, East Java

As for training, the courses that provide necessary skills to conduct quarantine, diagnosis and inspection of aquatic animals include the following:

1. Basic training on fish health management
2. Advanced training on fish health management, including parasitology, mycology, bacteriology, histopathology, immunology and molecular biology
3. Use of rapid diagnostic techniques
4. PCR methodology
5. Fish medicine

For surveillance activities, the skills required are more advanced since the activity entails more expertise and training in the following aspects are
necessary:

1. Histopathology (long term training)
2. Epidemiology (short and long term training)
3. Virology (short and long term training)
4. Rapid diagnostics
5. Developing program on surveillance and monitoring

References

Arthur JR. 2003. Fish Health Management for Indonesia. A consultancy report of Project TCP/INS/2905 (A): Health Management in Freshwater
Aquaculture. FAO, Rome, 25 p.

Bastiawan D, Taukhid, Rukyani A. 1997. Culture and specimen preservation techniques of mycotic disease group. Paper presented in a Seminar on
Evaluation of Fish Quarantine Diseases, Cipanas, West Java. 9 p.

Callinan RB, Paclibare JO, Reantaso MB, Lumanlan-Mayo SC, Fraser GC, Sammut J. 1995. EUS outbreaks in estuarine fish in Australia and the
Philippines: Association with acid sulfate soils, rainfall, and Aphanomyces, p. 291-298. In: Shariff M, Arthur JR and Subasinghe RP (eds). Diseases in
Asian Aquaculture II. Fish Health Section, Asian Fisheries Society, Manila, Philippines.

Cameron A. 2003. Report of International Consultant in Epidemiology. Health Management in Freshwater Aquaculture. TCP/INS/2905(A). FAO, Rome,
25 p.

Chanratchakool P, Limsuwan C. 1998. Application of PCR and formalin treatment to prevent white spot disease in shrimp, p. 287-290. In: Flegel
TW (ed) Advances in Shrimp Biotechnology. National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bangkok. Directorate General for Aquaculture (DGA). 2003. Indonesian Aquaculture Statistics. Directorate General for Aquaculture. Jakarta. 127 p.

Djajadiredja R, Panjaitan TH, Rukyani A, Sarono A, Satyani D, Supriyadi H. 1983. Country Report. Indonesia, p. 19-30. In: FB Davy and A Chouinard
(eds.) Fish Quarantine and Fish Diseases in Southeast Asia. Report of a Workshop held in Jakarta, Indonesia, 7-10 December 1982. International
Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC-210e) Ottawa, Canada, 72 p. 

Gilad SO, Yun S, Andree KB, Adkison MA, Zlotkin A, Bercovier H, Eldar A, Hedrick RP. 2002. Initial characteristics of koi herpesvirus and development 
of a polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the virus in koi, Cyprinus carpio koi. Dis. Aquat. Org. 48: 101-108. 

Gray WL, Mullis L, LaPatra SE, Groff JM, Goodwin A. 2002. Detection of koi herpesvirus DNA in tissues of infected fish. J. Fish Dis. 25: 171-178.
Hadie LE, Hadie W, Hikmayani Y, Gunadi B, Wakhid A. 2001. Opportunity and prospect of freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) culture.
Paper presented in ‘Release of new strain and business meeting of freshwater shrimp', 24 July 2002, West Java, Indonesia. 20 p. (in Indonesian).

Mangunwiryo H. 1997. Country Paper: Indonesia, p. 51-64. In: Humphrey J, Arthur JR, Subasinghe RP and Phillips MJ (eds). Aquatic Animal Quarantine
and Health Certification in Asia, FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 373. 

Owens L. 1994. Sleepy grouper disease in Indonesia. A report prepared by the Department of Biomedical and Tropical Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Australia. 

Rukyani A. 2001. Control strategy of viral diseases in grouper culture, p. 27- 34. In: Sudradjat A, Heruwati ES, Poernomo A, Rukyani A, Widodo J,
Danakusumah E (eds). Proceedings of the Marine Culture Technology and Development of Sea Farming in Indonesia (in Indonesian). 

Rukyani A. 1993. The status of aquaculture and fish disease problems in Indonesia. Paper presented at the International Workshop and Training Course on Quick Diagnostic Methods and Bio-ecological Control of Fish and Shrimp Diseases. 29 July-7 August 1993, Vietnam. Rukyani A. 1994. Yellow head disease in shrimp. Trubus, March, 1994. p.293 (in Indonesian).

Rukyani A. 2002. Koi Herpesvirus in Indonesia. Report of KHV epidemic to OIE by the Directorate of Fish Health and Environment, DGA, Jakarta.
Rukyani A, Sunarto A. 1998. Non-specific pathogen resistant (NsPR) Penaeus monodon: a complementary SPF broodstock development. Paper presented
in the Workshop on the Development of Penaeus monodon Disease Free Broodstock in ASEAN Country held on 23-24 March, Jakarta, Indonesia. 15 p.

Sachlan M. 1952. Notes on parasites of freshwater fishes in Indonesia. Central Inland Fisheries Research Station 2:1-59. 

Sugama K. 2003. Culture status of introduced shrimp and the prospects for its development in freshwater ponds. Warta Perikanan p.19-22 (in Indonesian).

Sunarto A. 1995. Watch out for white spot disease in shrimp. INFOVET, April 1995, p.30-31 (in Indonesian with abstract in English). 

Sunarto A, Taukhid, Rukyani A, Koesharyani I, Supriyadi H, Huminto H, Agungpriyono DR, Pasaribu FH, Widodo, Herdikiawan D, Rukmono D. 2002.
Field investigations on a serious disease outbreak among koi and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Indonesia. Paper presented in the 5th Symposium
on Diseases in Asian Aquaculture, 24-28 November 2002, Gold Cost, Australia. 

Surahmat and Suparno. 1995. What is Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). Paper presented at the Seminar on Fish Quarantine held on 24-26 January 1995 at the Center for Agricultural Quarantine, Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Sutanto H. 2003. Koi. PT Penebar Swadaya. p.78. 

Zafran and Yuasa K. 1999. History of VNN disease in Indonesia. Lolitkanta News Letter, 15: 3-4 (in Indonesian).

Appendix 1. Summary of Current Mandates of Governmental Departments and other Agencies Concerned with Fish Health Management (Arthur, 2003)

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) 
Directorate General for Aquaculture
Directorate for Fish Health and the Environment
• Develops policy and legislation related to fish quarantine (shared)
• Responsible for disease control and prevention in aquaculture
• Responsible for conducting import risk analysis (IRA)
• Controls introduction of fish into inland waters
• Responsible for disease monitoring and surveillance activities
• Submits reports on national disease status to FAO/NACA
• Responsible for extension activities for fish disease

National Commission on Introductions and Transfers (Proposed)
• Reports to the Director General for Aquaculture Universities
• Provide ad hoc diagnostic expertise and advice
• Training
• Applied research

Ministry of Trade
• Concerned with fees for quarantine services

Ministry of Health
• Concerns related to zoonotic diseases (i.e., those transmitted from
aquatic animals and their products to man)

Ministry of Forestry
• Enforces CITES
• Concerns about impacts of exotic diseases on biodiversity

National Commission on Fish Health (and other committees)
• Reports to the Director General for Aquaculture
• Provides advice on fish health issues

Other Agencies with Related Concerns
Research Agency for Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Central Research Institute for Aquaculture
• Conducts research on diseases of fish

Secretariat General
Center for Fish Quarantine
• Develops regulations, technical guidance and standards for fish quarantine
• Implements quarantine for both international and domestic movements of live fish, including: issuance of health certificates, border inspections, laboratory diagnostics, quarantine of shipments
• Develops technical cooperation with other institutions, both nationally and internationally

Bureau of Law
• Evaluation of laws
• Stakeholder consultation process

Ministry of Agriculture
Chief Veterinary Officer
• Official reporting to OIE (However, fish disease reporting is done by MMAF via FAO/NACA)

Appendix 2. Interrelationships for Governmental Department and other Agencies Concerned with Fish Health Management (Arthur, 2003)

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Secretariat General
(6 agencies including quarantine)
Research Agency for Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Directorate General of Aquaculture
Center for Fish Quarantine
National Fish Health Committee
National Committee on Introductions & Transfers (Proposed)

Five Sub-Directorates

• Fish Disease Monitoring & Evaluation
• Fish Disease Control & Eradication
• Quality Control & Fish Medicine Certification
• Environmental Monitoring & Evaluation
• Aquaculture Environmental Protection

Three Sub-Directorates

• Technical Services
• Administration
• Program for Overseas Collaboration

Directorate for Fish Health & Environment
Others with Potential Involvement

• Universities (4 with fish health expertise)
• Private aquaculturists (farmer's organizations)
• Ornamental fish importers
• Sportsfishermen
• International agencies
• International experts/universities

Fish Quarantine Offices, Stations and Checkpoints

• Fish Quarantine Regional Offices (2)
• Class I Fish Quarantine Stations (7)
• Class II Fish Quarantine Stations (5)
• Fish Quarantine Substations (27)
• Domestic Checkpoints (more than 300)

Research Centers

• Research Center for Aquaculture, Fish Health Research Laboratory
• Four other centers with no activities related to fish health (Marine

Technology; Capture Fisheries; Marine Territory and Non-biotic Resources; Fish Processing; and Social Economics of Marine Affairs and Fisheries)
Other Agencies with Related Concerns (Liaison Required) :

Ministry of Health

• Concerns related to zoonotic disease

Ministry of Trade

• Liaison concerning fees for quarantine services

Ministry of Health

• Concerns related to zoonotic diseases

Ministry of Forestry

• Protection of endangered species (CITES)

Ministry of Agriculture

• Chief Veterinary Officer (OIE reporting)

Current Status of Transboundary Fish Diseases in Lao PDR: Occurrence, Surveillance, Research and Training

Thongphoun Theungphachanh
Animal Production Quality Control
Department of Livestock and Fisheries
National Animal Health Centre
P.O. Box 811
Lao Peoples Democratic Republic

Introduction

Lao PDR is a landlocked country with no direct access to the sea. Fisheries resources are derived purely from fresh water resources (Tables 1 and 2). The resources originate from the Mekong River, reservoirs and its tributaries (40%), pond, swamps, wetlands, flood plains (26%), rice field (32%) and cage culture (2%). Food production of Lao PDR is dominated by subsistence agriculture, which accounts for about 65% (for fish 7%) of GDP and it is
estimated that 85% of the population rely on farming practices. The predominant crop is rice, which takes up more than 80% of the cultivated area. Other foods locally produced include: beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Fishes produced in the country are mainly consumed locally, especially because fish products in Lao PDR are not exported yet. Most fish are marketed in fresh form. Processing of fish is by drying, fermentation, and smoking. The domes tic fish marketing system starts with the middle trader who collects the fish from the fishermen (fish pond, reservoirs, Mekong River, etc.) and bring them to the landing market in the village. In some cases, another trader will buy the fish from the first
trader and sends them to town market for retail. Since villages have no cold storage facilities for the fish products, the fish is marketing in fresh form.
This lack of cold storage facility system leads to unstable fish price. For instance, during peak harvest season, the fish price is very low, but it easily
goes up in the dry season when fish production is very low. The industrial sector is small, contributing about 14% of GDP which ranged from medium-sized manufacturing plants to small operations producing at residential properties. Based on the annual statistics in 1999-2000, there are about 800 food manufacturing plants in Lao PDR located mostly in big towns. Food and fishery products include baked goods, noodles, milk, salt, fish sauces, fermented fish, ice, canned beverages and agricultural processed products. Presently, there is little fish processing in Lao PDR, hence the trend towards increased in fish manufacturing. Post-harvest management and practices have been traditionally done by women, and this has become a very important consideration in gender issues and programs. There is no available information on production of koi carp.

I. Fish Diseases in Lao PDR

I-1. Current Status of Fish Diseases

Fish is an important food for Lao people, both for subsistence and to generate income. Therefore, fish disease occurrence can affect fish production.
In Lao PDR, fish disease so far has not been a serious problem compared to another countries in South East Asia. However, some fish diseases have
been observed in the remote and cool part of northern and southern Lao PDR. These diseases include Learnea sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Gyrodactylus
sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Trichodina sp., Cryptocaryon sp., Epistylis sp., Oodinium sp., and the bacterium, Edwardsiella tarda. More information
is provided in Table 3. The Lao Government is very concerned about issues on fish diseases and tries to find the solution. Particularly, the Department of
Livestock and Living Aquatic Resources Research Center (LARReC) is the agency in charge of this aspect. In this agency, fish diseases have been
considered as a very important research activity since 1999.

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

Unfortunately no information is available on KHVD. However, clinical signs of KHVD have been observed in some places in a lake and in pond
culture systems.

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

II-1. Production of Shrimps

There is no shrimp culture pond activity to support consumption in the country. Because of this, the Government of Lao PDR has a policy of allowing
the importation of seafood into the country for consumption. The yearly average total amount of imported seafood is about 1200-1300 metric tons. The price
of shrimp is about 80000 kip per kilogram (US$8.00). Each importing company must be registered and pays an import tax to the Department of Taxation.
Quality control of imported seafood is the responsibility of government officials, specifically veterinarians, at the border check points. This work is
under the supervision of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries. The importation document must specify the quantity, types of processing and
packaging, and the means of transport. In some cases, a sample is taken for laboratory analysis in order to examine for animal diseases.

II-2. Viral Diseases of Shrimps
Unfortunately, there is no information available on the occurence of WSSV and TSV in shrimps.

III. Surveillance, Monitoring and Diagnosis of Aquatic Animals

The Department of Livestock and Fishery's Living Aquatic Resource Research Centre is responsible for monitoring occurrences of diseases. The Department is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the following address and contact numbers:

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Department of Livestock and Fisheries
National Animal Health Centre
P.O. Box 811 Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: 856-21 416 932 or 856-21 241 581, Fax: 856-21 415 674

Surveillance and monitoring for diseases of aquatic animals are conducted periodically by the Living Aquatic Resource Research Centre in order to
prevent diseases. Observations on environmental conditions, water quality and water color are part of the monitoring. The laboratory has the capacity to perform bacterial, fungal and parasitological analysis, but not for the examination of virus infections. The bacteriology laboratory has the ability to isolate and identify most bacterial species. Examination for protozoan and metazoan parasites, blood parasites, and external and internal parasites of livestock are regularly undertaken. The laboratories are capable of disease diagnosis at Levels I and II.

IV. Quarantine Services to Prevent Entry of Diseases of Aquatic Animals
The following are the requirements to support shipment of fishery products:
• Brood for live and aquarium fishes = Health certificates from exporting country are required;
• Frozen fish requires an importation document or a permit specifying the quantity, type, processing method, packaging and the means of transport;
• In some cases a sample is taken for aquatic animal disease; and
• Quality control certification of imported products is the responsibility of the government officials at the border checkpoint.

The inspection aims to minimize transmission of animal diseases to humans. For the Harmonization of Certificate and testing at the National and Regional level, we need to improve the Diagnostic Capacity of our laboratory to meet the requirement of International Standard. At present, we do not have enough trained staff and facilities to achieve it because we do not have enough financial support from the Government and also from international organizations. The current constraint for the implementation of this inspection is a lack of funding to support the work of officials at the border checkpoints. In addition, the officials have little training or experience in the inspection of shrimp and other seafood types. Likewise, the veterinary law to enforce these preventive measures is not in place but we hope to remedy this in the near future. 

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

There are significant opportunities to gain synergetic benefits from cooperation between the different divisions of Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) in key areas, specifically laboratory system, surveillance and information management. An integrated surveillance system should be established for aquatic animals and livestock using active and passive surveillance techniques established during previous and current livestock health ACIAR project. An integrated information system should be established to meet the needs of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries based on existing system, and utilizing the district-level record keeping system developed under the Regional Development Committee (RDC) for Livestock and Fisheries Development in Southern Laos. Parallel to the DLF is the recently created National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), and a sub-section, the Lao Animal Research Institute with functions yet to be clarified.

The agencies that conduct training on Fish Diseases are LARReC, DLF and NAHC all under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The laboratory for livestock has the capacity to perform bacterial, fungal and parasitic analysis, but not for the examination of virus infections. The bacteriology laboratory has the ability to isolate and identify most bacterial species. Fish disease capability can be developed from collaborative activities with existing laboratories. Given that, there remain numerous requirements to support activities for surveillance, monitoring and diagnosis such as:

• Training of staff on diagnosis of bacterial and viral diseases;
• Prevention and treatment methods for bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases;
• Active surveillance technique for livestock and aquaculture;
• Manual for veterinary and clinical parasitology, bacteriology and virology for aquatic animals; and
• A color atlas of clinical parasitology, bacteriology and virology for aquatic animals.

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

Faazaz Abd. Latiff
National Fish Health Research Centre
Fisheries Research Institute
11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia

Introduction
Malaysia lies within 100⁰ and 119⁰ East longitudes, and 7⁰ North latitude (Fig. 1). Neighbouring countries are Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. The country consists of two land masses with a total area of 330,434 square kilometres: Peninsular Malaysia is located south of Thailand, while
East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak, stretches along

Fig. 1. Map of Malaysia (Peninsular and East Malaysia)the northern part of Borneo. The two land masses are separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia has a total coastline of 4,675 km, with 2,068 km for the Peninsula and about 2,607 km for East Malaysia. It is on a strategic location along Straits of Malacca and southern South China Sea.

The fisheries sector plays an important role in providing fish as a source of food and protein. It contributes about 1.54% of the GDP and provides direct
employment to 84,496 fishermen and 22,108 fish culturists. Over the years, the industry has succeeded in achieving a steady production from its marine
inshore fisheries amounting to an average of 1.06 million tons (Annual Fisheries Statistics, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001). In 2001, the fisheries sector produced RM 5.45 billion (Euro 1.25 billion) consisting of 1,408,308 metric tons (MT) of fish valued at RM 5.37 billion, and 338 million pieces of ornamental fish valued at RM 81 million. Statistically, the sector recorded an overall decrease in production by 3.12%, but an increased value of 0.06% compared to 2000 figures.
Production from marine capture fisheries yielded 1,231,289 MT with a value of RM 4.17 billion. Within the sector, the coastal fisheries remained the major contributor with a production of 1,063,363 MT valued at RM 3.66 billion. The aquaculture sector recorded a production of 177,019 MT, which constituted 12.6% of the total fish production valued at RM 1,206.59 million. The inland fisheries sector remained insignificant producing only 3,446 MT
or 0.24% of the total fish production (Annual Fisheries Statistics, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001). The lists of aquatic animal species traded live for food and other
purposes are given in Appendices 1A-1F. 

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

I-1. Production of Common Carp and Koi

Malaysia has been the largest producer for ornamental fish. Almost 90 percent of these fish and aquatic plants have been exported to Singapore and
Hong Kong, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, Holland, United States of America and the Philippines (Fisheries News, April 2002). At the same time Malaysia is importing koi carp from Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan with shipments through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)(Tables 1a-1b). Besides koi, Malaysia has also other carps and the production for the major species are tabulated in Appendices 2-5. Appendix 6 shows carp fry production from government hatcheries. Table 1c shows the number of koi that had been exported through the Bayan Lepas International Airport (BLIA) in Penang. There are 14 big koi fish producers in Malaysia.

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

Among the koi diseases reported in Malaysia was cyprinid herpesvirus (CHV) in the early 1990s reported by the University Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Serdang, Selangor. The gross pathology observed were non-necrotizing, benign neoplasm on the skin with whitish, soft, warty lesions, epidermal
echymotic haemorrhages and lordosis (Hassan et al., 1995). The virus was able to multiply in BF-2 and BB cell lines. Monoclonal antibody and structural
analyses were performed on this virus (Abdullah, 2004). The Department of Fisheries (DOF) Malaysia had been alarmed by the koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) which was reported in Indonesia in 2002. The government took immediate action to ban the importation of koi especially from Indonesia. Tables  1a-1b show there was no koi importation from Indonesia in 2003. Until today, there is no outbreak of koi herpesvirus (KHV) in Malaysia. To confirm the matter, a survey was started in 2002 by UPM to screen for this virus with funding from the Ministry of Science and Environment. The area covered for the survey included Selangor and Perak and the survey is still going on. All samples were Malaysian hybrid of koi. Polymerase chain reaction techniques using koi herpesvirus (KHV) primers reported from Israel's cases had been used for this purpose and until now the results are negative (Abdullah, 2004).

I-3. Production of Ornamental Fish
The total production of ornamental fish increased by 10.4% from 306,096,870 pieces in 2000 to 338,055,460 pieces in 2001. In terms of value, the increase was 12.6% from RM 71.95 million in 2000 to RM 81.03 million in 2001. Johor remains as the main producer of ornamental fish contributing 263,760, 236 pieces, which was 78% of the total production of ornamental fish in 2001. Table 2 shows the estimated total production of ornamental fish and its value for 1997-2001. Appendix 1 lists the common English, local and scientific names of the fishes which are found in Malaysia. Ornamental fish production for 2001 according to group follows: 

Group Number of pieces

1. Poecilids                                                             102, 487, 656
2. Cyprinids/ Barbs/ Danio/ Goldfish/ Koi                     97, 078, 229
3. Anabantids                                                           39, 790, 903
4. Characins                                                             23, 148, 553
5. Cichlid                                                                  19, 932, 165
6. Cyprinodontids                                                            742, 130
7. Osteoglossids                                                              33, 576
8. Callichthyids                                                               318, 001
9. Cobitids                                                                       75, 035
10. Aquatic plants                                                     45, 086, 359
11. Others                                                                  9, 362, 853
Total                                                                      338, 055, 460

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) and White Shrimp (P. merguiensis)

The shrimp industry consists of the capture and aquaculture sectors. From capture fisheries using push nets and trawlers, 77,465 MT of shrimp worth
of RM 875.5 million (Euro 203 million) were harvested in 2001. This figure is expected to remain constant for the next decade as a result of the
moratorium imposed on trawling in the coastal areas. Shrimp aquaculture is fast growing and production figure in 2001 was 27,013 MT worth RM 937.5 million (Euro 175 million). Two species are cultured: tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon and the white shrimp P. merguiensis. Table 3 shows the estimated total production of shrimps (Saidin, 2003; Syed Omar, 2004).

Pond culture technology developed rapidly in the early 1980s with the importation of postlarvae from Taiwan. Malaysia is blessed with abundant supply
of tiger shrimp broodstocks in the coastal areas of Sabah and Sarawak. The development of captive maturation and breeding technology resulted to the
mushrooming of private hatcheries. Currently, there are 160 shrimp hatcheries with more than 80% in West Malaysia producing about 8 billion postlarvae annually. The outbreak of white spot virus disease in the mid-1990s had affected many farmers resulting in economic losses amounting to about USD25
million (Euro 21 million). Thus, the shrimp aquaculture technology evolved from open culture system to close system to combat disease problems, particularly white spot syndrome. At present, there are 1,126 shrimp farms employing about 22,000 farmers. Twenty percent of these are big farms having more than 20 to a few hundred ponds. Small and medium farms have less than 10 ponds. The culture practice is intensive with high inputs that produce an annual average of 3.5 MT. In 2001, Malaysia exported about 144,590 MT of fish and fishery products valued at RM1.35 billion which mainly came from the exported shrimp products. The biggest exports went to Italy and Japan. There had been reports of Litopenaeus vannamei being cultured illegally
in the state of Perak in 2003, but no official written documents had been submitted since the farmers were very uncooperative (Saidin, 2003; Syed
Omar, 2004). b. Production of Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) Macrobrachium rosenbergii has always been found in Malaysian rivers.
The fry and culture production figures are shown in Table 4.

Spawners are obtained locally and postlarvae are produced by private and government hatcheries. Grow-out culture is carried out in earthen ponds. There has been no record of importation for the species.

II-2. Major Shrimp Diseases

A. White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV)

WSSV is one of the most devastating viruses to infect penaeid shrimp. First discovered in Taiwan in 1992, it has spread rapidly to most growing countries in Asia. In Malaysia, it was first reported in 1994 and had spread to affect 80% of farms by 1996. Many species of penaeid shrimps can be infected,
as well as crabs, spiny lobsters, and fresh water prawn. A number of small aquatic arthropods can harbour the virus. Virulence studies have shown that
WSSV isolates are extremely virulent, with cumulative mortalities reaching 100%. During the second half of 2003, WSSV had reduced the annual
production to 20,000 MT, 15% of which was Litopenaeus vannamei.

a. Etiology
White spot syndrome virus, a double stranded DNA virus within a new group Nimaviridae.

b. Clinical Signs
The shrimp experience anorexia and lethargy having loose cuticle with numerous white spots (0.5-2 mm) on the inside surface of the carapace.
Moribund shrimp showed pink to red discoloration.

B. Bacterial White Spot Syndrome (BWSS)
It affects P. monodon and was first reported in 1998 (Wang et al., 1999,2000).

a. Etiology
Bacillus subtilis has been suggested due to its association with the white spots.

b. Clinical Signs
Dull white spots on carapace and all over the body. The white spots are rounded but not dense. Shrimp exhibit delayed moulting and reduced growth.

C. Yellow Head Virus (YHV)
It affects P. monodon, Acetes spp. and other small shrimps. Tests that had been conducted, so far, gave negative results.

a. Etiology

YHV is a single stranded RNA, rod-shaped, enveloped, cytoplasmic virus likely related to members of family Coronaviridae.

b. Clinical Signs
The disease causes abrupt cessation of feeding. Shrimp aggregate at edges of pond or near surface. The hepatopancreas become discolored giving a
yellowish appearance and shrimp generally becomes abnormally pale.

c. Significance
YHV has been reported in the absence of the classic yellowish cephalothorax. The clinical signs are not always present. Postlarvae (PL20-25) and older shrimp are more susceptible where mortality can reach 100% within 3-5 days. It is believed that infection can be transmitted horizontally and vertically by shrimp having chronic sub-clinical infection.

II-3. Significant and Emerging Viral Diseases of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

There is no record of any viral disease in M. rosenbergii. From normal observation, the prawns in the ponds may exhibit necrotic shells at most.

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

III-1. Responsible Facility and Personnel
The responsible or Competent Authority (CA), facilities, and their locations are as follows:

Fish Quarantine and Quality Control Division
Department of Fisheries Malaysia,
Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-base Industry,
8th & 9th Floor, Wisma Tani,
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin,
50628 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The functions of this division are to:

• Conduct fish inspection and quarantine procedures on imported live fish
• Conduct regular inspection on health status and sanitary conditions of registered fish farms particularly those with fish for export market
• Conduct inspection of live fish at the point of exits prior to the issuance of Health Certificates
• Ensure fish which are controlled by CITES are imported with valid documents. All CITES fish can only be exported through the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang
• Provide extension services in fish diagnosis and treatment

a. Location of Facilities

1. Fish Health Management and Quarantine Center
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
Jalan Pekeliling 4
46000 KLIA Sepang
Selangor

2. Fish Quarantine Center
Jalan Batu Maung
11960 Batu Maung
Penang

3. Fish Health Management and Quarantine Center
Bukit Kayu Hitam
06050 Jitra
Kedah

4. Fish Health Management and Quarantine Center
Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar
Tanjung Kupang
61560, Gelang Patah, Johore

5. Jabatan Perikanan Negeri Kelantan
Tingkat 6, Wisma Persekutuan
Jalan Bayam
15628 Kota Baru, Kelantan

b. Responsible Persons
The following are the personnel who take care of the various Quarantine and Inspection Centers (QIC) in Peninsular Malaysia:
1. Mrs. Rosmawati Ghazali
2. Mr. Hamid Hassan
3. Mr. Nummeran Nordin
4. Mr. Salehudin Ismail
5. Mr. Khaidir Othman

No surveillance and monitoring for diseases of aquatic animals are conducted regularly or periodically by these agencies due to staff constraints. Whenever alerts of disease outbreaks are received, staff from QIC will inform the state director and the National Fish Health Research Centre (NaFisH)
will be instructed to investigate the case with them. 

III-2. Diagnostic Capabilities and Major Diseases of Aquatic Animals

a. Definition of Levels of Diagnosis
Level I: Diagnostic activity limited to observation of animal and the environment, and clinical examination (On Site or Field Diagnosis)