In recent years, Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in zootechnical production, addressing this crucial need for sustainable protein sources. However, fish diseases are still a limiting factor and innovative control strategies are essential to maximise aquaculture productivity. In this context, the Aquae Strength project aims to improve the capabilities for managing fish diseases and build capacity in GIS techniques to support surveillance and disease response. The project encompasses many beneficiary institutions spanning various countries from the North Africa to Indochinese Peninsula.
The Aquae Strength project "Strengthening Capacity on Aquatic Animal Health and Epidemiological Surveillance " is driven by a comprehensive set of objectives aligned with WOHA priorities for the Aquatic Animal Health Strategy. The project is composed of a consortium that comprises seven Italian institutions “Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale” (IZSVe, IZSSA, IZSPLV, IZSAM, IZSLT, IZSUM and IZSM) and three external advisory bodies from UK (Cefas), Denmark (DTU) and Norway (NVI) . Capacity-building activities started with online webinars designed to provide stakeholders with the theoretical basis of the main project’s topics. Subsequently , the project staff conducted on-site evaluations for each beneficiary country on their diagnostic capacity for fish pathogens. The assessments were performed using customized questionnaires, field visits to fish farms and laboratories and focused discussions with beneficiary’s staff . These activities successfully identified gaps and areas to guide the project’s efforts. The main intervention areas encompass improving diagnostic capabilities, ensuring the responsible use of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMPs), involving veterinary services in disease outbreaks management, and establishing an official farm registry.
Activities performed so far highlighted several differences regarding the level of diagnostic capacities and management of VMPs among Beneficiary Countries. The role of veterinary services during disease outbreaks in these countries remains ambiguous. The project staff promoted the involvement of veterinary services and the adoption of antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) by diagnostic laboratories. The lack of an official fish farms registry and laboratory diagnostic capabilities makes epidemiological evaluation and product traceability challenging. These countries aim to establish trade with the EU, which requires compliance with animal health and food safety standards. The project staff delivered customised training sessions for each stakeholder based on their needs. Training activities were conducted both in the beneficiary countries and at the consortium’s laboratories. Enhancing fish farms health status and disease management is essential for food safety, economies, and the environment. Assisting beneficiaries in improving their aquaculture industry will contribute to exploiting the full potential of aquatic resources. In this scenario, the Aquae Strength project represents an international effort in building a resilient and sustainable aquaculture industry, aligning with the One Health approach.