Ausyfish Pty Ltd ABN 69 010 810 670 Aquaculture approval number 2005BC0681   Terms and conditions.

FISH HEALTH CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (FHCP)

Ausyfish is a disease free certified hatchery.

The FHCP places the following fish health and biosecurity conditions on Ausyfish to ensure that fish health management is consistently maintained by :

1. Keeping of fish health records
2. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for quarantine, disinfection, disease investigation, disease treatment and control
3. Reporting of significant or notifiable diseases
4. Regular veterinary inspection program of the facility

Since 1985 Ausyfish has been submitting samples to the Queensland Government Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory for health testing. These tests are comprehensive. They include gross, and histology examination, (histopathology) of each sample submitted. This is where the sample, (Usually about 30 fish from each batch or pond.) is sliced into ultra thin, transparent sections which are then examined under a microscope by a highly qualified Queensland Government fish pathologist. 

Histology is the science of producing stained sections of preserved tissue on glass slides that can be examined under a microscope. Parasites, bacteria, and fungi, as well as pathological processes and abnormalities can be detected in these preserved tissues. The techniques used are similar to those used in hospitals where pathologists examine tissue.

These tests have been a requirement for batches of fish to be sent to aquaculture facilities outside the state of Queensland.

In 2010, Ausyfish volunteered to participate in a new scheme designed to better capture the health of fish at our aquaculture facility. This new scheme developed by the Queensland Government, the Fish Health Certification Program, (FHCP) requires samples to be sent on a regular basis regardless of where the fish were to be sold.

The FHCP carries out regular disease surveillance testing by gross and histopathology performed by the Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL) of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF-Qld), Queensland State Government.

This is a more intensive, structured, program of testing and monitoring which would enhance Ausyfish's ability to provide quality fish to its customers.

To date no OIE or quarantinable diseases have been detected.

Ausyfish has always considered fish health to be a high priority. A new lab was constructed at Ausyfish in 2008. This lab has several microscopes, one having a camera fitted creating a good training tool for staff.

If required Ausyfish will supply a health certificate and (OR) AQIS certificate to customers with their deliveries of fish.

Click picture for more