India Hosts Symposium on Aquatic Animal Diseases at 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum

New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, inaugurated a symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The symposium is a key part of the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), being held from February 12-15 under the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific.”

Addressing the gathering, Kurian emphasized the “One Earth – One Family” approach, underscoring the importance of nutrition and biosecurity in aquaculture. He stressed that sustainable aquaculture practices are vital for ensuring food security, livelihood opportunities, and economic growth in India. Highlighting various government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), he called for a multi-stakeholder approach to strengthen disease surveillance, enhance biosecurity protocols, and improve diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, and Convener of the symposium, provided an overview of ongoing research in aquatic health management. He discussed initiatives like NSPAAD Phase II and the INFAR project, which focus on disease management, biosecurity, and early response mechanisms in fish farming. He stressed that with the diversification of aquaculture through new species and systems, strengthening disease control measures is critical.

Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted the fisheries sector’s contribution to India’s economy and called for proactive disease surveillance strategies at national, regional, and local levels. He noted that disease transmission is often linked to live animal movement, necessitating early detection and stringent biosecurity measures.

Dr. B.K. Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, emphasized the need for institutionalizing fish disease surveillance programs to enable systematic monitoring, early detection, and effective control. He advocated for the creation of disease-free zones in key aquaculture areas to curb infections and enhance biosecurity.

International perspectives were brought in by Dr. Eduardo Leano of NACA, Thailand, who highlighted the growing risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture. He stressed the importance of a globally coordinated approach to aquatic biosecurity and disease management.

Earlier, Dr. B.K. Das, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, welcomed the participants, emphasizing advancements in aquaculture and the significance of disease surveillance programs like the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD). Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director of ICAR-CIFA, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of dignitaries and experts.

The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India, and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This marks the second time India has hosted the event, the first being the 8AFAF in Kochi in 2007.

With a strong emphasis on disease prevention and sustainable aquaculture, the symposium sets the stage for advancing scientific research and strengthening global collaboration in fisheries and aquatic health management.