Philippines: Aquatic emergency preparedness and response systems for transboundary diseases

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture as the Competent Authority, develops and implements rules and regulations on aquatic animal health for the Philippines. It establishes the monitoring system for OIE/NACA listed aquatic animal diseases. The disease surveillance and reporting activities are being carried out by the BFAR Fish Health Laboratory of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division and its counterparts at the regional offices. BFAR Fish Health Laboratories have different levels of diagnostic and detection capabilities for aquatic animal diseases. Diagnostic services and technical assistance are rendered to farmers on aquatic animal health. Results of diagnostic services and surveillance by BFAR central and regional offices, and other laboratories (SEAFDEC/AQD-Fish Health, DA-Biotech, Negros Prawn Cooperative) are part of the country s aquatic animal disease reports to the OIE/NACA. BFAR has a Fish Health Network that responds to aquatic animal disease emergencies. It also coordinates and collaborates through networking with research agencies, academe, private sectors and other stakeholders on aquatic animal health. The Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Division implements the policies on biosecurity, quarantine and health certification for trade and transboundary movement of aquatic animals. It is also responsible for risk analysis on the importation of fish and fishery/aquatic products. Other regulatory requirements for in-country movement include local transport permit for fish and fishery/aquatic products for traceability. Importers and exporters are also registered by BFAR to ensure compliance to sanitary and food safety measures and requirements. BFAR is continuously strengthening its technical capacity, human resources, policies and regulations for a more efficient implementation of aquatic animal health services that includes response to transboundary disease emergencies of aquatic animals

Status of aquatic animal health in the Philippines

The national aquatic animal disease surveillance and reporting system is implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in coordination with other recognized laboratories. It covers the OIE/NACA listed diseases particularly those that cause major problems in aquaculture. The fisheries laboratories continuously enhance their capabilities to support the surveillance activities, controls on transboundary movement of aquatic animals, and provide services to the fish farmers. Programs are implemented to strengthen the aquatic animal health services in the country. Promotion of Good Aquaculture Practice and implementation of biosecurity measures are being done to prevent disease occurrences. Collaboration with other institutions on aquatic animal health programs are also established. The paper provides the information on the country’s status on aquatic animal health management