The first independently validated disinfectants have been listed under the new Aquaculture Disinfectant Listing Scheme.
The scheme was first announced in January 2010 and provides disinfectant manufacturers with a means to publicly list aquaculture products that have demonstrated efficacy against viral and/or bacterial diseases.
The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) – based at Cefas – operates the scheme in partnership with Marine Scotland Science (MSS) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland (AFBI).
Evans Vanodine International PLC is the first manufacturer to submit products for review under the new scheme. Its products – FAM 30 and Vanoquat New Formulation – were formally listed on 10 December 2010.
Disinfectants are submitted for listing after first undergoing stringent testing, to specified standards. To achieve listing, applications are subject to a thorough, independent technical review to validate the effectiveness of the product against certain pathogens, and to ensure it meets the standards for listing.
Says the FHI’s Angela Trent: “The scheme provides much-needed information to help the aquaculture industry select independently validated products with proven efficacy.
“Such assurance is valuable to businesses, which undoubtedly face significant outlay if their stock becomes diseased. In a growing climate of increased biosecurity requirements, and raised awareness of disease risk management, the scheme offers reassurance. It’s really a case of prevention being better than cure.”
