Anthropogenic Vector Ecology and Management to Combat Disease Spread in Aquaculture

Anthropogenic vectors (transfer mechanisms) can facilitate the introduction and spread of aquatic disease in marine farming regions. Preventing or interrupting pathogen transfers associated with movements of these vectors is key to ensuring productivity and profitability of aquaculture operations. However, practical methods to identify and manage vector risks are lacking. We developed a risk analysis framework to identify disease risks and management gaps associated with anthropogenic vector movements in New Zealand’s main aquaculture sectors - Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus), and Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Vectors within each sector were identified and assigned categorical risk scores for (i) movement characteristics (size, frequency, likelihood of return to sea), (ii) biological association with pathogens (entrainment potential, contribution to previous aquaculture disease outbreaks) and (iii) available best practice biosecurity methods and tools, to inform unmitigated and mitigated risk rankings. Thirty-one vectors were identified to operate within the national network and association with livestock was found to be a primary driver of vector risk rankings. Movements of live growing stock and culture substrates (e.g., mussel ropes) in shellfish farming had high-risk vector profiles that are logistically challenging to address, while vessel vectors were identified as the salmon farming sector’s priority. The framework and rankings can be used to inform both research and management priorities in aquaculture and other primary production systems, including risk validation, vector roles in disease epidemiology, compliance with permit conditions, policy development, and treatment options.