The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) maintains annual aquatic animal health status reviews that are particularly relevant to trout producers and other fish farmers. The resource documents federal assessments of selected pathogens and the United States’ health status for those diseases.

Among the pathogens covered in the reviews is salmonid alphavirus (SAV), a pathogen of interest to salmonid producers. APHIS also lists epizootic hematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV) and Gyrodactylus salaris among the fish pathogens for which it has completed national health-status assessments.

These assessments draw on aggregated, anonymous pathogen-testing data provided by public and private partners. APHIS also considers disease surveillance, regulations, and oversight as part of its evaluation process.

Why trout farmers should pay attention

Disease prevention and early detection are important components of trout-farm management. Fish health can influence survival, production performance, stocking decisions, and the movement of live fish and eggs between facilities and jurisdictions.

The APHIS resource offers producers useful background on federal disease-surveillance efforts and the distinction between a completed assessment and presumed freedom, which is based on an absence of reports without a formal evaluation.

A national disease-freedom designation should not be interpreted as proof that every farm or shipment is disease-free. Trout producers should continue to work with aquatic animal health professionals, maintain appropriate biosecurity measures, obtain health documentation and testing when needed, and verify applicable requirements before moving fish, eggs, or other regulated materials.

Review the latest information: USDA APHIS Aquatic Animal Health Status Reviews

For questions about the reviews, contact the APHIS Veterinary Services Aquaculture Health Team at vs.sp.asep.aquaculture@usda.gov.