Current status of national disease diagnostics in Bosnia and Herzegovina: status and challenges National report (Svjetlana Batinić – Nemet) Regional Workshop 2: Improving Capacity for Diagnosis of Fish and Molluscan Diseases Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, October 2013, Hotel Palas

Production data 2012  Species/farms In Bosnia and Herzegovina was registered 63 fish farms in total in in FBiH (5 cyprinid, 27 salmonid and 2 marine (marine fish and mollusks) 29 in RS ( 8 cyprinid 21 salmonid)

 In accordance with Decision on veterinary certificate of health of the animals and consignments of animal products in internal and international transport ("Official Gazette of BiH" no. 33/03, 14/04 and 35/05) it is prescribed that every consignment must be accompanied by an appropriate document (veterinary - health certificate) regardless of whether it is a domestic or international traffic.  It is a public document that contains information about the owner of the animals, the identity of the animals (mandatory label), the origin and health status, and guarantees that the animals covered are included in implementation of the measures for the control of animal health, residues, etc. Movement/transfers

 At every import, export or transit of goods of animal origin (hereinafter referred to as goods), goods must be accompanied by the prescribed international veterinary certificate that guarantees the health safety of the consignment, if an international agreement provides otherwise. Animal health certificate is filled, verified and certified by a certified and official veterinarians.

Import of fish eggs/fry  Import of fish eggs/fry – 517 kg (5 consignments) – 1500 kg (9 consignments) – 1683 kg (13 consignments) – 1543 kg (9 consignments) – 1472 kg (10 consignments)

Diseases recorded in the country  According to data that we received from Department for aquaculture of Veterinary faculty in Sarajevo, in BiH there were sporadically cases of bacterial and parasitic diseases of fish, but they didn`t caused any serious production nor health problems. Viral diseases - usual viral diseases of fish were recorded

Other diseases  Bacterial diseases Furunculosis salmonis Erythrodermatitis cyprini  Parasitic diseases Endo and ectoparasites of protozoan origin  Fungal diseases – Not recorded  Other health problems –Not recorded

Diagnostic capacity in the country  Aquatic animal diseases laboratory within country National reference laboratory for viral disease of fish in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Department of Aquaculture Veterinary Faculty in Sarajevo  Level III: Cell lines, Immunological tests, TEM, Molecular techniques

Diagnostic capacity in the country A.Virology investigations for pathogens of VHS, IHN, IPN and SVC - cell culture /BF2 and EPC/ - Elisa B.Microbiology investigations for pathogens of Yersiniosis, Bacterial Kidney Disease and Furunculosis of trout, Erithrodermatitis of carps - isolation of pathogens on adequate mediums C. Parasite investigations for pathogens of Whirling Disease and Proliferative Kidney Disease of trout and another parasite agents Source: Presentation: „Recent developments and priorities on aquaculture and aquatic health management in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ – S.Tanković, A. Jažić, A. Zuko

Surveillance of nationally listed diseases In accordance with the Ordinance on measures for the control of infectious and parasitic diseases of animals and their implementation and financing prescribed the following: During the year, conducted clinical and laboratory tests to exclude the presence of zoonotic viral diseases of fish in accordance with the provisions of Annex VII. and VIII. Regulations on animal health requirements applicable to aquaculture animals and products thereof, and the prevention and control of certain diseases in aquatic animals ("Official Gazette", No. 28/11) which is compliant with EU legislation.

Surveillance of nationally listed diseases In case of massive deaths and other changes, and that is found to be caused by the above-mentioned diseases, doing additional research on other diseases that these fish species can be affected. With the appearance of cytopathogenic effect (CPE) in cell culture when performing searches on VHS and IHN, which was found to be a consequence of these viral diseases, will be carried further virological tests for the presence of other viral diseases of fish.

Surveillance of nationally listed diseases Diagnostic methods According to legislation in force in BiH it is prescribe that the Laboratory testing for the presence of the virus is carried by ELISA and virus isolation in cell culture. Other diagnostic methods that are proscribed are: IF, RT-PCR, ELISA, IFAT Sampling All testing must be done 2 per year on all registered fish farms. One sample is pooled and maximum number of fish per pool is 10 fishes. Results All result from laboratory testing of viral fish diseases were negative.

Surveillance and monitoring of other pathogens Targeted pathogens and aquaculture species In the national plan for the control and surveillance of aquaculture animal diseases, except for viral diseases of fish (cyprinids and salmonids) - VHS and IHN, SVC does not include other pathogens. If during regular inspections suspect the presence of some other pathogen, then targeted monitoring will be placed for that new pathogen.

Study of abnormal mortality Diagnostic methods In the normal course of inspection, and control of the appearance of unusual behavior of fish, increased mortality, etc. is also performed. Mortality description If any change to increased mortality is noticed, that change is recorded and to certain measures are taken, depending on the type of the observed changes and its scope. Any changes observed, veterinary inspector records in his report.

Conclusions and perspectives Based on all of the presented data it can be seen a decline in fish production, and that it is extremely important to support the fish farmers and give them all the necessary support to maintain this branch of production. It is also extremely important to support the efforts of the national reference laboratory to be accredited as soon as possible, and maintain their status at the required level

Future needs Continuing education Accreditation of NRL in order to analyze the results of recognition by the EU, and the establishment of adequate prescribed virological methods. Improving communication and information flow

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