There are no reliable, standardized or validated methods for testing effluents for
aquatic animal pathogens. There are internationally accepted analytical methods available
to qualify and/or quantify aquatic animal pathogens in tissues (Thoesen, 1994;
Office International Des Epizooties (OEI), 2001). These methods are used in the
regulatory control programs that have been successful at limiting the introduction of
important fish pathogens into new regions. There are currently no consistently used
practices to control the discharge of aquatic animal pathogens in effluents of commercial
or public aquaculture facilities if pathogens do occur. The most cost-effective way to
effectively limit potentially significant aquatic animal pathogens is to prevent their
introduction into facilities.