In our exploration of aquaculture biosecurity, we now turn our focus to an often overlooked aspect: the role of personnel and visitors in safeguarding the health of aquatic populations. Controlling access to aquaculture establishments and educating those who enter them are critical steps in maintaining biosecurity.

Controlled Access Measures

To ensure biosecurity, access to aquaculture establishments should be controlled. This involves creating a defined border between the outer risk area and the inner biosecure area. Within this biosecure area, facilities should be provided for:

- Register Completion: A register should be maintained, recording visitors' names, contact information, and details of their exposure to aquatic animals or pathogenic agents over a preceding period. This should include information about visits to other aquaculture establishments or similar facilities.

- Changing Facilities: Adequate facilities should be available for visitors to change their clothes and shoes upon entry. Alternatively, disposable coverings like hoods, coats, gloves, and shoe coverings can be provided.

- Hand Disinfection: Hand disinfection stations should be set up, and visitors should be encouraged to use them.

- Foot Baths: Foot baths can be used to further reduce the risk of pathogenic agent transmission.

Visitor Education and Supervision

All visitors should receive a briefing upon entry to ensure they understand and comply with the aquaculture establishment's biosecurity plan. It's crucial to supervise visitors to ensure their compliance with these measures.

Promoting Awareness through Signage

Clear and informative signage should be prominently displayed. These signs play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging compliance with the biosecurity plan by personnel, visitors, and the public.

By implementing these controlled access measures and focusing on visitor education, aquaculture establishments can significantly enhance their biosecurity. This, in turn, helps protect aquatic populations from the introduction and spread of pathogenic agents.

Stay tuned for more articles in our series, where we'll continue to explore essential aspects of aquaculture biosecurity, providing actionable insights for safeguarding aquatic populations effectively.