Att 3 - Site Based Management · MCU17/0020

6.3 Record Keeping

a) Record all introductions and disposals of aquatic animals; include their source or destination.
b) Record all outbreaks of sickness and deaths.
c) Measure and record growth rates.

6.4 Chemical use

a) Ensure all personnel are aware of the hazards of the chemicals used, and that they have
training on the storage, use and handling of the chemicals used and are provided with
appropriate protection gear to the chemical. This will be clearly stated at the staff induction
process.
b) Comply with the regulations on the use of chemicals in aquaculture. Be aware of the
chemicals registered for use in aquaculture and the need to consult a registered vet. No
antibiotics or feeds containing antibiotics are to be used whatsoever – you must consult a vet.
If you use anything that is not registered or prescribed you will be in breech of the legislation.
Controls over the supply and use of Agvet chemicals in Queensland are provided for in
legislation, in particular the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical (Queensland) Act 1994
(Agvet Code), the Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988 (Chemical
Usage Act), Agricultural Chemicals

     Distribution Control Act 1966 and The Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996
        (What Veterinary Surgeons Need to Know).

6.5 Disease

6.5.1 Disease Identification

If you suspect that there is a disease on the premises you must notify the Department in
accordance with the Disease Notification Procedure. The criterion for notification of disease is
if there is any unusual mortality in conjunction with ANY TWO of the following criteria:

a) Animals coming to the edge or water surface of the pond/tank/cage.
b) Animals demonstrating unusual swimming patterns.
c) Reduced feeding and failure to thrive.
d) Unusual changes in the physical appearance of the animal such as red or black colouration
of prawn, ulcers or mouldy growth on skin, blackening of skin, pop eye, erosion of fins and
tails, fouling of gills etc.

6.5.2 Disease Management

a) Isolate any animals showing signs of any disease or ectoparasitic infestation to affected
tanks only.
b) Prevent bird, animal, vehicle and human vectors from spreading disease through the
farm/hatchery.
c) Personnel should work on the healthy animals each day before they have any contact with
the sick ones.
d) Obtain veterinary laboratory assistance to determine the cause(s) of any losses; always
attempt to get a diagnosis.
e) Where appropriate/requested collect sick specimens of affected aquatic animals for
laboratory examination
f) Seek advise from the Department on the destruction, disposal and disinfection methods for
diseased and dead aquatic animals.