On 25th February, HIPRA organized an aquaculture event in Monastir (Tunisia).
Mediterranean producers and veterinarians from Tunisia and Algeria were invited for the occasion. It was also attended by local authorities and several representatives from different government institutions.
The seminar included some of the main issues affecting aquaculture production from a fish health perspective in the Maghreb area. Viral nervous necrosis and pasteurellosis and still represent the greatest challenge faced by Mediterranean fish farming.
The high prevalence of these diseases means that intraperitoneal injection is an essential tool for prevention in order to ensure the viability of production. Dr. Mohamed Ben Menadi (Regional Technical Services Manager at HIPRA) welcomed everyone and opened the event.
Mohamed Chawki Khadhraoui (Regional Manager at HIPRA) gave a brief overview of HIPRA’s commitment to prevention for animal health. This was followed by Mrs. Nawel Belayouni who gave an update on the current strategy and development plans for marine aquaculture in Tunisia.
Dr. Nadia Chérif (Biologist at INSTM La Goulette), gave a detailed review of the impact of the Nodavirus on sea bream and sea bass farming in Tunisia, with special reference to the need for good diagnosis (fish bacteriology sampling guide) and the need for prevention by intraperitoneal vaccination.
Dr. Kaouther Maatouk (Veterinarian at INSTM Monastir) showed the impact of the main bacterial diseases affecting local production in Tunisia, with special emphasis on the increased virulence of all the pasteurellosis outbreaks that occurred during the last year.
Dr. Kaouther Maatouk (Veterinarian at INSTM Monastir) showed the impact of the main bacterial diseases affecting local production in Tunisia, with special emphasis on the increased virulence of all the pasteurellosis outbreaks that occurred during the last year.
Erik Díaz (Regional Technical & Marketing Manager at HIPRA) explained the positive impact that intraperioteneal vaccination has on the economics of the farms. He also presented ICTHIOVAC® VR/PD and ICTHIOVAC® VNN, both injectable vaccines offered by HIPRA against the main challenges faced by the industry.
Dr. Mahdi Chaka (Veterinarian at CRDA Monastir) gave an overview of the Tunisian aquaculture sector from a biosecurity and transportation perspective.
For the event, HIPRA also had the support of Aqualife for guidance on good practice for intraperitoneal vaccine administration.
To conclude the session, all the speakers participated in a round table, resolving and explaining all the questions raised by the attendees.
Once again, HIPRA reaffirms its commitment to being the reference in prevention by offering innovative and distinctive solutions, not only in Mediterranean aquaculture, but also in the principal aquaculture markets.
