ARISA: Collection of Health Information at Farm Level in Spanish Fish Farming

Abstract

The adequate collection of health information at the farm level is the first step in good health management. The objective of this study was to analyze how Spanish fish farms collect their census, disease occurrence, and mortality data through their farm record books and how they use them for reporting to competent authorities. Comparing and contrasting farm books between regions (autonomous communities) revealed a lack of standardization and substantial differences in the reporting. Therefore, this study points out the need to improve and standardize, at the national level, the design of fish farm record books in order to ensure the better collection of farm census data on mortality and disease occurrence, which may facilitate the production of epidemiological reports and the early detection of emerging diseases at the national level.