The Marine Institute runs a national risk-based health surveillance programme for approved aquaculture establishments in accordance with EU Animal Health Regulation 2016/429.
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Risk-based Fish Health Surveillance
The Marine Institute runs a risk-based health surveillance scheme which includes health visits and sampling at an appropriate frequency depending on the nature of production at the aquaculture establishment.
Aquatic Diseases
The Marine Institute implements a fish health monitoring programme which tests for diseases listed under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and other aquatic diseases of national importance.
NOTIFICATION TO THE MARINE INSTITUTE
Unexplained increased mortality. Suspicion or confirmation of a listed disease.
Disinfection on aquaculture sites
Frequent and thorough cleaning and disinfection are crucially important measures in the biosecurity plan of any aquaculture facility. As the efficacy of disinfectants is severely decreased by the presence of organic matter; it is extremely…
AquaPlan: Fish Health Management in Ireland
The AquaPlan project (funded by the NDP Marine Research Sub-Programme 2007-2013) represented a collaborative approach by industry and government to work together to implement an integrated and planned approach to fish health in Ireland.
National Crayfish Plague Programme and Recent Updates in Ireland
Ireland’s National Crayfish Plague Programme (NCPP) represents a coordinated, science-led response to one of the most significant threats facing the country’s native freshwater biodiversity: crayfish plague.
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Regulations
View all documentsTargeted surveillance programmes:
Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) - Completed 2013: Ireland has now been declared to be free from KHV thereby giving the highest health status in Europe with respect to this disease.
Bonamia ostreae - Ongoing surveillance programme for Bonamia ostrea. Read more here.
Bonamia exitiosa - In 2025 both Tralee Bay & Cork Harbour were officially declared free from Bonamia exitiosa, based on the results of historical and targeted disease surveillance. Read more here.
In addition, active surveillance is also carried out by means of the regular on-site inspection programme operated under the risk-based surveillance scheme and as a result of the obligation on farmers to report increased unexplained mortalities.
References
- Fish Health Surveillance | Fish Health Unit View reference