• Status of the Focal Points of the OIE Americas Region Group of Aquatic Animals.

Dr. Salomé Koloffon, Technical Assistant for the OIE Regional Representation (RR) for the Americas started by thanking the Canadian Government for hosting the second meeting of the Inter-American Committee for Aquatic Animal Health.

Dr. Koloffon presented the list of the focal points that have been gathered since March of this year, from the delegates of the Americas. A total of 13 focal points have been received and the RR will continue with the effort to have all countries represented, including where possible, non member OIE countries. This list will be distributed via e-mail among all participants.

• Update of translation of the Aquatic Manual into Spanish.

Dr. Koloffon, provided information about the meeting that was held during the last General Session, where the Spanish Language Committee met. The members (Spain, Panama, Argentina, Chile and Colombia) and an observer country (Mexico) participated. The agreements during the meeting were:
(i) The member countries of this committee will sponsor the translation of the Aquatic Manual, paying the first budget and engaging to pay the rest.
(ii) The annual updating of the Manual also will be sponsored by the member countries, but the RR is trying to engage all Spanish speakers’ countries and the private sector.

Dr. Koloffon informed the meeting that the project of the multilingual data base is still in progress, and will be fully sponsored by the government of Spain.

She also reported that the RR annual budget for 2008 will try to include translation money for quicker unofficial translations of the Commissions’ Reports. This budget will have to be gathered from contributions of the Member Countries of the Region.

• Other general points.

Dr. Koloffon also reported on the following general points:

(i) A Performance, Vision, Strategy (PVS) for Aquatic Animals training will be held in Paris next year in order to certify evaluators to start with the process in those countries that ask for it. It is necessary to start putting together a list of possible participants from the region.

(ii) The need to have an expert list (Subject Matter Experts) on different topics for aquatic animals on the region.

(iii) The meeting that was held during the General Session of the RR office with the president of PANVET. The organizing committee of PANVET is interested in working with Ithe RR and ICA-AAH to develop a training program for veterinarians and para-veterinarians on topics related to aquatic animal health.

Questions by Participants

The US representative asked what PVS meant.

Dr Koloffon explained that the Performance, Vision, Strategy (PVS) is an OIE initiative implemented in 2006 as an evaluation tool for the Veterinary Systems of countries that ask such evaluation. The results of PVS evaluations are intended for use by the Member Countries for identifying specific areas that can be improved to strengthen their official Veterinary Services. This tool has been used by several different countries of the Americas for evaluation of their terrestrial animal health systems. The intention is to expand this use for evaluation and development of Veterinary Services for aquatic animals.

In this matter Dr. R. Enriquez mentioned the urgent need to have an aquatic expert for the ad hoc group of PVS that will meet in July, 2007 .

OIE Aquatic Code and Manual Results from 75th General Session.

Dr. Enriquez, Secretary of the AAHSC reported the Technical Resolutions adopted by the International Committee, regarding aquatic animal health, during the last General Session. His presentation is available on the Web Site of the RR. In summary, Dr. Enriquez provided summaries on the crustacean diseases listed in the Aquatic Code, and those which are under study. He also informed the meeting about several new chapters to be added to the Aquatic Code and Manual. Points on these are outlined in the summary below.

Some horizontal changes have been made to all the disease chapters of the Aquatic Code in order the enhance consistency between all aquatic disease chapters.

Also he informed the meeting of the decision of the International Committee to include the amphibian diseases on the AAC activities. An Amphibian specialist group will meet in Paris in September to assess the diseases to be listed and information required for the Aquatic Manual. He also noted that the question of marine mammal health, although not on the workplan for 2007/08, will be examined in the future – in recognition of Canada’s request for a review of this animal group.

Dr. Enriquez mentioned the importance of considering the Twin Lab Concept to increase regional diagnostic capacity. He also recommended that region consider proposing OIE reference labs for specific diseases related to regional expertise.

The AAHSC has noted that since the focal point contact for Member Countries started, Members Country comments on proposed OIE Code and Manual revisions have increased substantially. This underlines the importance of all Americas countries submitting focal points for aquatic animal health in their countries as soon as possible. He reminded the IAC-AAH that the dead line for member countries comments on the March 2007 AAHSC report is August 16, 2007. Participants are encouraged to send their comments to the OIE Delegate for their Country in advance of that date, so the Delegate has time to review the comments before submission to OIE Headquarters in Paris. Specific concerns related to non-listed diseases; such as Necrotising Hepatopancreatitis (NHP) of shrimp in Mexico and Peru; should be submitted via this route to the AAHSC.

Dr. Enriquez also encouraged Member Countries to report emergent diseases that are becoming of concern, in order for the AAHSC to evaluate the need to include them on the list of diseases reportable to the OIE. This includes IAC-AAH discussion of Fransicella emergence in tilapia culture in some Member Countries as well as a Nodavirus infection of Penaeus vannamei that may, or may not be related to White Tail disease recently listed for freshwater Macrobrachium rosenbergii in some Asian countries.

In relation to Aquatic Animal Welfare, Dr. Enriquez noted that the AAHSC has postponed presentation to the International Committee until new information can be provided to increase the scientific basis for control standards on this topic; specifically with respect to fish slaughter and transportation.

Another new initiative to be undertaken by the AAHSC is analysis of aquaculture feed and potential for impact on food safety.

Related to this new initiative was a joint meeting of FAO/OIE/WHO expertise regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance held in Korea in June 2006. Two experts represented the aquatic sector at this meeting and developed criteria to help with an assessment aimed at defining which antimicrobials are essential for aquaculture. Dr. Brian Austin (UK) will lead a review of antibiotics used most widely in aquaculture and assess whether or not there are any potential risks with respect to food safety. A follow-up meeting is planned for Rome in November 2007.

With respect to ‘safe’ commodities; this term has retained inverted commas in the Code to address confusion related to interpretation as food safety; rather than biosecurity as intended. The Code now cross-references to the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Animals (ICES Code) as a source of guidance for first time live aquatic animal introductions or for introductions of aquatic animals of unknown health risk. The weblink to this Code is: http://www.ices.dk/reports/general/2004/ICESCOP2004.pdf.

Dr. Enriquez finished his report by reviewing the new challenges of the AAHSC which include: new emergent diseases in crustaceous and fish, notably the Nodavirus recently isolated from white shrimp (P. vannamei) and the Fransicella isolated from Tilapia; of concern to the Region. More information on viral strain differentiation; especially as related to pathogenicity and disease impact; is necessary for updating of the Aquatic Code and Manual.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 20

Technical Working Group Presentations

a. Crustaceans – Birmania Martinez (Nicaragua) (presented by Dra. Salome Koloffon, OIE Regional Office)
Presentation of the activities of the crustacean working group:

The International Forum on Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) in shrimp was held in Managua, Nicaragua 8-9 August 2006; and participants were from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua and USA. The conclusions were to establish an information mechanism for epidemiology with local sanitary authorities following OIE standards. It was also agreed to promote training, to update and discuss crustacean issues in general throughout the Region. This includes characterisation of the Taura Syndrome Virus in order to know the serotypes in each of the member countries and better define appropriate preventative measures.

Some member countries commented that something needs to be done about the movement of shrimp from countries affected by IMNV. It was recommended to refer this question to the AAHSC (Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission) for further consideration:

A questionnaire, concerning the management of crustaceans in the Member Countries, was distributed to determine the activities and the issues facing the Region with respect to OIE standards. There had been a problem with receipt of the questionnaire by many Focal Points of Member Countries.

Next Steps:

(1) The RCA will ask Dr. Martinez where the document was sent; and review the questionnaire format. The Regional Office and the Secretary of the Aquatic Animal Commission (Dr. Enriquez) will then review questionnaire content before it is resent to all Member Countries for their response and input.

A suggestion was made that the RR would send the questionnaire directly to the Delegates and Focal Points.

(2) The Crustacean Technical Working Group will start to discuss white shrimp diseases caused by Penaeus vannamei Nodavirus (PvNV) and Alfa Proteobacteria (NHP), in order to support a submission to the OIE AAHSC for consideration for disease listing. The submission will be presented to Delegates, as appropriate, to make a formal request to the AAHSC.

b. Molluscs – Dr. Ralph Elston (USA)

The Mollusc Group has good regional representation however; additional membership was sought; possibly from Brazil, the Caribbean as well as Canada. Dr. Elston noted the presence of Dr. Susan Bower of Canada and her international reputation for mollusc disease; and invited her participation. She agreed.

Two diseases were discussed by the sub-group as being of importance to be raised to the AAHSC for listing consideration: The egg parasite, Marteiliodes chungmuensis of Pacific Oysters and Viral Gangliomyoneuritus of Abalone. The former has not been listed and the group is considering a Regional submission for further consideration. Dr. Bower noted that there is a new paper about to be published in Asia which will add significant scientific knowledge for AAHSC discussion. Completion of a recommendation by the Mollusc Group on the Asian egg parasite is the top priority action item for the Mollusc Group.

The second disease is now an OIE listed mollusc disease although at this time there is no known diagnostic technique so there was a question as to how this disease could be reported. However, because this disease is now listed by the OIE, further work on it will be a lower priority item for the Mollusc Group. The Mollusc group will continue to collect and organize any available information on the importation of frozen or live abalone to the Americas from infected areas.

Two additional diseases which are listed and represent a potential threat to Regional molluscs are: Perkinsus olseni (Manila clams) recently found in Argentina and Xenohaliotis californiensis, the causative agent of Withering Syndrome of abalone. Recommendations need to be developed for appropriate control measures for these diseases. Although Perkinsus olseni is currently an OIE reportable mollusc disease and is known to be present on the east coast of South America, its distribution within the Americas region is limited and therefore the committee will consider recommendations regarding whether any further information or action is needed. In regard to the withering syndrome of abalone, several scientists and diagnosticians have suggested that the group form an opinion on the significant and listing of the agent of withering syndrome based on the observation of this agent in susceptible abalone that show no signs of disease. Both of these matters (Perksinsus olseni and Xenohaliotis californiensis with be action items for the mollusc committee after the recommendation on the Asian egg parasite of Pacific oysters is completed, assuming no new urgent matters come to the Mollusc Group in the intervening time.

c. Fin Fishes – Dr. Marcelo Casali (Chile)

Dr. Casali was not available to give an update on this working group.

A substitute presentation was made by Dr. Sharon McGladdery (Canada) on the transboundary (Canada / USA) disease issue related to detection of VHS in the Great Lakes. She described the cooperative efforts made by both countries in addressing this issue particularly with strong emphasis on communications; data exchange and technical standardisation, where possible, for official surveillance to map the extent of the disease and refine appropriate disease control measures.

d. Zonation and Compartmentalisation – Dr. Felix Carranza (Costa Rica)

Dr. Carranza gave an overview of his Technical Working Group review of OIE definitions of Zonation and Compartmentalisation; the problems associated with Zonation; and the more robust application of biosecurity in a Compartmentalisation context.

There was some discussion over the application and definitions of both terms and Dr. Enriquez advised everyone to review the definitions used for Chapter 1.4.4.1 in the Aquatic Animal Code (http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/fcode/en_chapitre_1.4.4.htm). More information will be available through the presentation of Dr. David Wilson on this topic that shall be posted on the RR webpage in the near future.

e. Regional Diagnostic Capacity - Dr. Sharon McGladdery (Canada)

Dr. McGladdery spoke about the challenges faced with respect to lab capacity. A preliminary survey was made with limited response. She noted that this does not reflect real regional capacity and wants to pursue this further. She offered to complete a draft report for review by all IAC-AAH members before September, 2007, in order to get additional feedback for the next proposed meeting in 2008.

f. Legal Framework and Infrastructure: Dr. Marco Antonio Ross (Mexico)

Dr. Ross was not in attendance so Mr. Ricardo Urias Sotomayor (Mexico) provided an overview of Mexico’s aquatic animal health new regulatory initiatives as well as information on their National Laboratory Network. There were 14 national labs covering shrimp, fish and mollusc diseases.

Discussion ensued with respect to the need for flexibility of regulatory frameworks of Member Countries to adapt to evolving OIE standards. It was recognised that this is a difficult challenge. It was acknowledged that training around the application of OIE standards would be useful for their implementation.

Mr Ricardo Urias also expressed interest in assuming the lead for this group, and the IAC-AAH agreed on his proposal.

Technical Working Group Presentation Summary

The current secretariat of the Committee is Birmania Martinez, from Nicaragua who will be asked if staying with the position. She will also be asked about coordinating the next chapter for the OIE Scientific Revue, about aquatic animals. The central office has asked the RR to have an article about the background and works of this Committee.

With respect to the Technical Working Group leaders who could not attend and were unable to submit reports; the RR will ask them about their availability to continue participation and, if not, seek a replacement, probably from the same country.

With respect to the Technical Working Group on Legislative Frameworks it was acknowledged that this is an incredibly difficult task in light of evolving and changing official frameworks for aquatic animal disease control within many Member Countries of the Americas. Canada suggested refocusing the objective on definition of the lead authority for aquatic animal health control only as this should complement the drive to complete the Focal Point initiative of the OIE for aquatics. The IAC-AAH supported this suggestion and the proposal will be presented to Mexico for consideration by the Technical Working Group lead for Legislative Frameworks.

The IAC-AAH will pursue interest in organising a workshop on genotypic and serotypic differentiation related to pathogenicity; most notably for finfish viral diseases; but which may also be applicable to crustaceans.

Dr. Enriquez will review the amphibian questionnaire sent by OIE to all countries to find out who in the Americas is trading this specie and analyse the necessity to have a group, under the IAC-AAH, working in this topic. Dr. Felix Carranza, from Costa Rica volunteered to assist in this initiative.

It was agreed that a Technical Item on Animal Welfare discussed at the 18th Regional Commission of the Americas be pursued as a presentation at the next IAC-AAH meeting by an appropriate expert.

An additional topic proposed for a specific presentation at the next meeting of the IAC-AAH is a presentation on how to become a OIE Reference Laboratory.

It is important that focal points report to their Delegates the issues discussed during these meetings in order to reach consensus within the country and bring the issues important for the region into the International Commission.
The industry’s participation is very important. The Delegates should know that they can get the private sector involved in this technical group.

Dr. Ricardo Enriquez recommended again during the conclusions to notify any emergent disease in the country to trigger the analysis of the AAC. It is not necessary to have a diagnostic method in order to do so. This type of notifications can come as a group report, from different countries affected, through their delegates.