Peru focuses on disease prevention in the aquaculture sector

The Ministry of Production in Peru (PRODUCE) has strengthened biosecurity measures and capabilities among aquaculturists and professionals in the public and private sectors to reduce the prevalence of diseases in aquaculture.

This was confirmed by the Executive President of the National Fisheries Health Agency (Sanipes), Mónica Saavedra Chumbe, during the 'Fish-Vet Dialogue II: One Health and Biosecurity' event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

According to the Executive President, these measures can significantly help reduce the prevalence of diseases such as lake tilapia virus and pancreatic necrosis virus in trout.

"By implementing these measures, aquaculturists improved their practices and thereby mitigated the impact of diseases, resulting in lower economic losses associated with outbreaks and contributing to the competitiveness of the sector," Saavedra emphasized.

Furthermore, Sanipes also participated in the 'International Conference on Health of Aquatic Organisms: To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate', where recent advancements in shrimp vaccines were discussed.

PRODUCE, through Sanipes, shared knowledge and experience on biosecurity, preparedness, and prevention of impactful diseases in the aquaculture sector.

Finally, the Ministry underscored the importance of efforts from both the private and public sectors and academia towards food security.

About One Health

FAO promotes a One Health approach as part of the agrifood system transformation for the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. This involves a spectrum of actors and works on sustainable agriculture, animal, plant, forest, and aquaculture health, food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

Ensuring a One Health approach is essential for progress to anticipate, prevent, detect, and control diseases that spread between animals and humans, tackle AMR, ensure food safety, prevent environment-related human and animal health threats, as well as combat many other challenges. A One Health approach is also critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).