Chapter 2.4.4. – Infection with Marteilia refringens

Annex 46. Item 7.3. – Draft new Chapter 5.X. ‘Movement of ornamental aquatic animals’

SECTION 5

TRADE MEASURES, IMPORTATION/EXPORTATION PROCEDURES AND HEALTH CERTIFICATION

CHAPTER 5.X.

MOVEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC ANIMALS

Article 5.X.1.

Introduction

This chapter provides recommendations to address the risk of pathogen~~disease~~ transmission via the movement of ornamental aquatic animals to prevent entry into a country, zone or compartment that is free from the pathogenic agents of concern.

*Ornamental aquatic animals* may originate from the wild or from *aquaculture establishments*. Once they have entered the supply chain they may be epidemiologically separated from farmed or wild populations but can be diverted to other end uses for which they were not intended. This may provide a pathway for *disease* transmission and place other populations of *susceptible**species* at *risk*. 

International movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* is characterised by translocation of numerous individual animals comprised of many species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and amphibians originating from diverse environments. Supply chains may involve the aggregation of animals from multiple sources and their dissemination through retail trade as pets, providing opportunities for *disease* transmission. These characteristics of the movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* may present challenges for managing *aquatic animal**disease**risks*.

Article 5.X.2.

Scope

This chapter provides recommendations for managing the pathogen*~~disease~~**risks* associated with movement of *ornamental aquatic animals*. The standards concerning trade in species that are susceptible to the *diseases* listed in Chapter 1.3., are set out in the disease-specific chapters. This Chapter provides additional guidance for managing *risk*associated with the movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* which are susceptible to *listed diseases* or other *diseases* identified as *hazards*. ~~that complement other provisions of the *Aquatic Code*, including the measures specified in the disease-specific chapters.~~

Article 5.X.3.

General principles 

The general principles for the movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* that should be considered when developing *risk* mitigation measures are:

1)	the legality~~eligibility~~ for the movement of a species (or a taxonomic group of species) should be determined considering existing regulatory measures in the importing country regarding~~its conservation status (e.g. species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), and~~ potential biodiversity and ecosystem impacts~~in the *importing country*(e.g. potential to become an invasive alien species)~~, as described in Article 5.X.4.;

2)	*ornamental aquatic animals* intended for international movement should be clinically healthy at the time of movement, not exposed to animals of a lower health status, and should not be from an establishment experiencing recent or ongoing *disease* or unexplained mortality, as described in Article 5.X.5.;

3)	*risk management* measures for *listed diseases* should be in accordance with the provisions of the disease-specific chapters, as described in Article 5.X.6.;

4)	*risk management* measures for non-listed *diseases*, or any measures for *listed diseases*exceeding those described in the disease-specific chapters, should be justified by *risk analysis*, as described in Article 5.X.7.;

5)	any *risk management* measures should be the least restrictive measures required to mitigate the *disease* risks identified by a *risk assessment,* as described in Articles 5.X.8. to 5.X.11.;

6)	measures should be taken to maintain the welfare of *ornamental aquatic animals* during transit, including as described in Article 5.X.12.

Article 5.X.4.

Eligibility for the international movement of ornamental aquatic animals

Prior to considering the *aquatic animal* health *risks* associated with the import of a species of *ornamental aquatic animal*, the *Competent Authority* of an *importing country*should determine that import of the species would be compliant with~~consult~~ relevant national regulations and international obligations~~to determine that the species is eligible for import~~.**~~Species~~For example, species of*ornamental aquatic animal* may be subject to controls on international movement or trade due to their conservation status (e.g. listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or listed as an endangered species or preserved species by a *Competent Authority* or other authorities of an *importing country*). These controls may prohibit international movement or may necessitate additional import documentation. 

Species of *ornamental aquatic animals* (or taxonomic groups of species) may also be identified as invasive by a *Competent Authority* or other authority of an *importing**country*. Such species may be prohibited to be traded, owned or farmed due to the risks they present to biodiversity, ecosystems, industry,~~or~~ public amenity or public health in the *importing country*.  

Article 5.X.5.

General health status of ornamental aquatic animals 

*Aquaculture establishments* holding or packaging *ornamental aquatic animals* for international movement should have suitable facilities and husbandry practices for maintaining the health status of all species held within the facility. 

The *Competent Authority* of an *exporting country* should ensure that *aquaculture establishments* are under sufficient supervision to ensure that requirements of the *Competent Authority* of the*importing country* for *ornamental aquatic animals* can be met. The *Aquatic Animal Health Services* relevant to meeting *importing country* requirements should comply with the principles of Chapter 3.1.

If *aquaculture establishments* are required by the *Competent**Authority* to maintain a *biosecurity plan,* or if this is required to meet *importing country* requirements, the *biosecurity plan* should be developed as described in Chapter 4.1.

*Ornamental aquatic animals*should not be moved or traded from an *aquaculture establishment* if they are**exhibiting clinical signs of *disease* or experiencing unexplained mortalities. 

Article 5.X.6.

Application of measures for listed diseases 

*Sanitary measures* applied to manage the *risk* of transmission of *listed diseases* associated with movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* should be in accordance with the relevant disease-specific chapters. The *Competent Authority* of an *importing country* can only require disease-specific measures if it is free from the *disease* of concern, or if the *disease* of concern is under an official control programme, as described in Chapter 5.1.

When importing *ornamental aquatic animals* of *susceptible species* (as listed in Article X.X.2. of each disease-specific chapter), from a *free country*, *free zone* or *free compartment*, the *Competent Authority* of the *importing country* should require, in accordance with Article X.X.9. of the relevant disease-specific chapter, that the consignment be accompanied by an *international aquatic animal health certificate* issued by the *Competent Authority* of the *exporting country*attesting that the consignment originates from a *free country*, *free zone* or *free compartment*. 

The *Competent Authority* of an *importing country* can only require *sanitary measures* for a *listed disease* more stringent than the standards of the *Aquatic Code* if those measures are supported by a *risk analysis*in accordance with Chapter 2.1. 

Article 5.X.7.

Risk analysis

The *Competent Authority*of an*importing country* should use *risk analysis*to justify any *sanitary measures* for non-listed *diseases* associated with imported *ornamental aquatic animals*. *Risk analysis* should also be used to justify any *sanitary measures* for *listed diseases*if the measures are more stringent than the standards of the *Aquatic Code*. The *Competent Authority* of an *importing country* can only require pathogen-specific *sanitary measures*if the country is free from the *disease* of concern, or if the *disease* of concern is under an official control programme, as described in Chapter 5.1. 

*Risk analysis* for the import of *ornamental aquatic animals*should be conducted as described in Chapter 2.1. In addition to the factors provided in Chapter 2.1, the *risk analysis* should take into account the following factors relevant to the assessment of likelihood of entry and exposure of *hazards* associated with *ornamental aquatic animals*.

Entry

1)	The disease status of identified hazards within the country, *zone* or *compartment* of origin, including information on the prevalence of identified *hazards* within populations of *ornamental aquatic animals* or within their source populations (e.g. wild animals). 

2)	The disease prevention and control practices within the supply chain for *ornamental aquatic animal*s in the *exporting country*, and the quality of the *aquatic animal health services* supporting disease prevention and control.

3)	The range of species that are susceptible**to the specific *pathogenic agents* identified as *hazards* and the evidence to substantiate susceptibility in accordance with Chapter 1.5. 

4)	The suitability of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity) for the *hazard* at the place of origin of the *ornamental aquatic animals*. 

5)	The nature of supply chains and the degree of mixing or epidemiological separation of populations originating from sources with different health status.  

Exposure

6)	The presence of populations of *susceptible species* in the *importing country*.

7)	The suitability of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity) for the *susceptible species* of imported *ornamental aquatic animals* in the *importing country*. 

8)	The suitability of environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, salinity) for the *hazard* in the *importing country.*

9)	Intended end uses of the*ornamental aquatic animals* and the implications for exposure. For example:   

a)	display in zoos or public aquariums – *ornamental aquatic animals*may be displayed in professionally managed facilities which may have veterinary oversight and *biosecurity* measures in place;

b)	exhibition or competition – *ornamental aquatic animals*may be moved internationally for short periods for participation in exhibitions or competitions, may be kept epidemiologically isolated, and then returned to the country of origin;

c)	pets – *ornamental aquatic animals*may be moved internationally in large numbers and widely distributed through retail trade for sale as pets.

10)	Cultural practices that may influence exposure, including diversion from intended end-uses (e.g. deliberate release into waterways, use as bait). 

11)	Internal measures for disease prevention and control and to limit diversion to non-intended end uses.

Article 5.X.8.

Risk management 

The standards of the Aquatic Code are the preferred choice of sanitary measures for risk management of listed diseases associated with ornamental aquatic animals. 

To develop sanitary measures for non-listed diseases, or to justify measures for listed diseases that are more stringent than the standards of the Aquatic Code, the Competent Authority of an importing country should follow the recommendations for risk management as described in Chapter 2.1. The sanitary measures should also comply with the requirements of Section 5 of the Aquatic Code.

Sanitary measures for imported ornamental aquatic animals can be applied along the import pathway. The *Competent Authority* of the *importing country* should select the least restrictive measures required to mitigate the *disease**risks* identified by a *risk assessment.*Options for risk management are provided in articles 5.X.9. to 5.X.11. and include those applied:

1)**within the*exporting country,*as described in Article 5.X.9.;

2)	at the *frontier post,*as described in Article 5.X.10.;

3)	within the*importing country*, as described in Article 5.X.11.

Article 5.X.9.

Risk management measures in the exporting country

Where required by the *Competent Authority*of the *importing country*based on*risk analysis*, *risk management* measures can be applied within the *exporting country* to mitigate the *disease risks* associated with international movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* from a country, *zone* or *compartment* not declared free from *diseases*of concern. ~~The *Competent Authority* of the *importing country* should select the least restrictive measures required to mitigate the *disease**risks* identified by a *risk assessment.*~~*Risk management* measures may include:

1)	registration or approval by a *Competent Authority* of *aquaculture establishments* that produce, hold or package *ornamental aquatic animals* for export. Registration or approval is a means for ensuring that any *aquaculture establishments* meet any necessary requirements for export of *ornamental aquatic animals*(e.g. general health requirements, *biosecurity*, record keeping);  

2)	confirmation that the exported *ornamental aquatic animals* are free from signs of *disease*or unexplained mortality at the place of origin (as described in point 2 of Article 5.X.7.) and meet general health requirements in accordance with Article X.X.5.;

3)	pre-export *quarantine* in an *aquaculture establishment* (e.g. packaging facility) to ascertain the health status of the animals to be exported. The length of *quarantine* would be based on the *risk assessment* and may vary depending on the species and specific *diseases*of concern;

4)	pre-export testing of consignments of *ornamental aquatic animals* to confirm they are free from *pathogenic agents* of concern;

5)	systems for traceability and record keeping to ensure transparency of the health status of specific populations or consignments of *ornamental aquatic animals*;

6)	appropriate packaging of *ornamental aquatic animals*to maintain their health status for the expected duration and conditions of the transport;

7)	certification or provision of other documentation to verify that the *risk management*measures required by the *Competent Authority*of the *importing country* have been met.

Article 5.X.10.

Risk management measures at the border

Where required by the *Competent Authority*of the *importing country*based on*risk assessment*, *risk management* measures can be applied at the border to mitigate the *disease risks* associated with international movement of *ornamental aquatic animals* from a country, *zone* or *compartment* not declared free from *diseases*of concern. ~~The *Competent Authority* of the *importing country* should select the least restrictive measures required to mitigate the *disease**risks* identified by a *risk assessment.*~~*Risk management* measures may include:

1)	upon arrival at the *frontier post,*the *Competent Authority* of the *importing country*may perform an inspection of the containers, checking that the consignment matches information included on the accompanying certificate or other documentation. The inspection may include checking for damage to the containers, and observing the animals for abnormal behaviour and suspected clinical signs; 

2)	at border *quarantine* under the supervision of the *Competent Authority*. The length of *quarantine* would be based on the *risk assessment* and may vary depending on the species and specific *diseases*of concern. Effluent and waste materials from the *quarantine* facilities should~~may~~ be treated or disposed of in a biosecure manner in accordance with Chapters 4.4. and 4.8.;

3)	at border testing under the supervision of the *Competent Authority*. Any testing requirements would be based on the *risk assessment*;

4)	destruction (as described in Chapter 7.4.) and biosecure disposal of clinically affected animals. All water (including ice), equipment, containers and packaging material used in transport should~~may~~ be treated or disposed of in a biosecure manner in accordance with Chapters 4.4., 4.8. and 5.5.

Article 5.X.11.

Risk management measures in the importing country

The *Competent Authority*of the *importing country*may apply internal *risk management* measures, including to address the *risks* associated with *ornamental aquatic animals* being used for non-intended purposes or being released into the wild. *Risk management* measures may include:

1)	prohibiting the diversion of *ornamental aquatic animals* for an alternative end use (e.g. for *aquaculture*, *feed*, bait, research) or from being released into the wild;

2)	notifying the *Competent Authority*of the *exporting country* of the detection of a *pathogenic agent*of concern in a consignment, in accordance with Chapter 5.3.; 

3)	traceability of imported *ornamental aquatic animals*to commercial establishments~~through the commercial supply chain~~.

Article 5.X.12.

Animal welfare during transport 

Welfare of *ornamental aquatic animals* during international movement relies on the maintenance of environmental conditions appropriate to the biological characteristics of the species. The minimum requirements to maintain welfare will vary among different species.

Transport of *ornamental aquatic animals* in conditions that are not suited to their biological characteristics may increase vulnerability to infection and the development of clinical *disease*, leading to an increased likelihood of *disease* transmission and morbidity or mortality of animals not related to *disease*.  

Transport of *ornamental aquatic animals* should follow protocols that are appropriate for maintaining the welfare of the species and life stage being transported (e.g. for packaging, water quality, temperature, stocking density, duration). Where existing protocols are not available, they may be developed by considering the factors provided in Chapter 7.2. *Welfare of farmed fish during transport* and should accommodate other requirements during transport, (e.g. the need for inspection and external container repackaging). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for the transport of live animals should also be taken into account.

*Contingency plans*should be developed that identify possible adverse welfare events that may occur during transport, the procedures for managing each event, the actions to be taken and the responsibilities of the parties involved. 

____________

WOAH *Aquatic Manual* 2025	8