Aquaculture is a growing agricultural commodity in the united states

Infectious diseases are one of the biggest threats to aquatic animal health, producer economics, and the quality of products. The routine use of biosecurity is one of the best ways to mitigate the introduction and spread of endemic and foreign animal diseases. Producer-level, aquaculture-focused biosecurity resources are extremely limited. Information and tools are needed to encourage routine biosecurity practices, especially on small-scale aquaculture farms. Funds are requested to develop a series of easy-to-use, easy-to-access, producer-based biosecurity tools and resources for land-based aquaculture operations, particularly those operated by beginning and underserved producers. The materials developed will help producers discover disease risk areas for their farm, identify effective biosecurity measures, develop a written site-specific biosecurity plan, and encourage communication with aquatic animal health professionals. Project deliverables will include two farm-level self-assessment checklists, a customizable, basic biosecurity plan template, and instructions for using these tools. Short overview videos will explain disease transmission pathways and prevention strategies for aquaculture farms. A dedicated website will house the resources and provide a freely-accessible, centralized location. All tools and resources will be translated into spanish to expand outreach and availability to underserved producers. The materials will also be helpful for professionals involved with outreach and education for aquaculture producers. The center for food security and public health has developed similar materials for other USDA-funded projects, including the secure food supply plans, and is a well-respected national resource on biosecurity. Collaboration with an advisory group throughout the project will ensure the resources are applicable and scientifically sound. This project will fill a critical GAP in the availability of easily accessible, user-friendly biosecurity resources for aquaculture producers in the U.S. Raising awareness of basic biosecurity principles can empower producers to proactively address disease threats to their farm, initiate a site-specific biosecurity program, and increase the number of aquaculture farms with written biosecurity plans. These EF forts will protect aquatic animal health, support aquaculture farm productivity, and improve producer preparedness and response against emerging and foreign animal diseases.