Ireland maintains an excellent health status in relation to the fish/shellfish on farms, in rivers, and in lakes and remains free of many diseases that occur in other countries. An introduction to Animal Health Legislation together with an overview of Ireland's fish health status, and the key requirements of fish health regulations in Ireland is outlined below.
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Competent Authority
The Marine Institute is the Competent Authority responsible for the implementation of the EU Animal Health Regulation 2016/429 in Ireland.
Animal Health Legislation
The regulation lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or humans.
National Reference Laboratory
The Fish Health Unit (FHU) of the Marine Institute is the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for finfish, mollusc, and crustacean diseases in Ireland.
National Reference Laboratory Research Activitites
In addition to National Reference Laboratory duties, the laboratory team are involved in several finfish and shellfish research projects:
Publications
The Marine Institute website hosts an Open Access Repository where a wide range of publications relevant to aquaculture including scientific and technical reports, peer-reviewed articles, and conference papers can be accessed.
Fish Health Unit - Contact Details
Please contact a member of the FHU Team below in relation to your specific area of enquiry.
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Introduction to Animal Health Legislation
Fish health is protected by EU Animal Health Regulation 2016/429 which lays down rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or humans.
The regulation defines diseases by categories ranging from category A to category E diseases. A synopsis of listed and notifiable diseases, their susceptible and vector species, and Ireland's current health status in relation to each disease can be downloaded here.
Animal Health Legislation in Ireland in relation to aquatic animal health is implemented by the Marine Institute as the Competent Authority.
Ireland's fish health status
Ireland is currently classified as free from the following diseases:
- Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA)
- Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS)
- Infectious Haematopoetic Necrosis (IHN)
- Koi Herpes Virus (KHV)
- Marteilia refringens
- Bonamia ostreae (PDF, 256Kb) in certain bays
- Bonamia exitiosa in certain bays
Ireland is also free from other significant diseases falling within approved national measures:
- Gyrodactylus Salaris,
- Spring Viraemia of Carp (SVC)
- Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD)
These diseases are not listed in the EU Animal Health Regulation but Ireland is protected by additional guarantees under Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/260.
Species which are susceptible to any of the diseases listed above can only be imported to Ireland from countries or areas that are also free from these diseases.
Fish health and related diseases is monitored by the Marine Institute which is the National Reference Laboratory for aquatic disease in Ireland.
Download
Downloads
Fish health legislation, disease information, and Ireland's current health status in relation to listed and notifiable diseases.
View all documentsEU Animal Health Regulation 2016/429
Rules for the prevention and control of animal diseases which are transmissible to animals or humans.
A synopsis of listed and notifiable diseases
Covers susceptible and vector species, and Ireland's current health status in relation to each disease.
Infectious Salmon Anaemia
Ireland is currently classified as free from Infectious Salmon Anaemia (ISA).
Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia
Ireland is currently classified as free from Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (VHS).
Infectious Haematopoetic Necrosis
Ireland is currently classified as free from Infectious Haematopoetic Necrosis (IHN).
Marteilia refringens
Ireland is currently classified as free from Marteilia refringens.
Bonamia ostreae
Ireland is currently classified as free from Bonamia ostreae in certain bays.
Key Features of Animal Health Regulation in Ireland in Relation to Fish Health:
- All aquaculture establishments must obtain either Fish Health Approval or Registration from the Marine Institute.
- Public registers of approved establishments have been created.
- Requirements apply when transporting aquaculture animals and a register of specialist transporters of aquaculture animals is maintained.
- Requirements apply when operating a Put & Take fishery and a register of these establishments is maintained.
- A programme of risk-based fish health surveillance is carried out annually by the Marine Institute.
- Importers of ornamental or pet fish must register with the Marine Institute.
References
- About Fish Health in Ireland View reference