Management of larval health

Biosecurity is the control of pathogen entry and proliferation. It has become an essential aspect of any intensive animal production unit and is one of the most difficult challenges facing the emerging finlish and shellfish 

Long-term reduction On-site continual As for prevention and 

As described previously, pathogens can infect eggs. Disinfection of eggs on release from the mother following fertilization is widely practised in certain species (Grotmol and Totland, 2000). Often this is done because 

Green water culture is the description of a variety of methods for the cultivation of larval fish and crustaceans where microalgae are included in the rearing environment. Naturally occurring phytoplankton have been positively encouraged in outdoor pond systems by the use of fertilization 

Providing these biofilters only contain beneficial bacteria that are involved in this breakdown of ammonia then they pose little risk to the larvae. If the biosecurity breaks down due to say, operator error, and a pathogen is introduced it may become established in the biofilm with the biofilter and become a more permanent member of the bacterial community. In this situation, there is the potential for the filter to shed pathogens into the water column with subsequent infection of the production larvae. This situation is very difficult to eradicate. Control measures may include installation of UV or ozone after the biofilters to kill any shed bacteria before the water enters the production area or the breakdown and sterilization of the larval production system. 

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