Pathogen Reporting and Notification
Reporting aquatic animal pathogens is critical to protect animal health, ecosystems, and the aquaculture and fisheries industries. Because many aquatic pathogens are difficult or impossible to eliminate once established in culture systems and natural waters, prevention, early detection, and coordinated response are essential for protecting aquatic animal health, aquatic resources, and the industries and communities that depend on them.
Timely reporting of listed aquatic animal pathogens helps limit economic impacts by reducing the scale and duration of outbreaks and the likelihood of broader trade disruptions and regulatory restrictions. This is particularly important for high-value species, seedstock operations, and interstate or international movements.
USDA-accredited veterinarians and APHIS-approved laboratories that conduct specific pathogen testing are required to report suspect or known cases. However, anyone who observes the following signs should report them promptly.
- Unexplained illness or death in farmed or wild fish, mollusks, crustaceans, or amphibians
- Rapid spread of illness within a population or facility consistent with a listed pathogen
- Clinical signs unusual for the operation or species
- Disease events affecting multiple species or locations
- Illness following recent animal introductions
Where and How to Report
If you suspect an unusual or listed aquatic animal pathogen in wild or farmed animals, promptly contact your state aquatic animal health agency, usually the office of the State Veterinarian, and USDA APHIS.
- State Animal Health Officials (e.g., State Veterinarian or designated aquatic animal health authority)
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- State wildlife agencies may also be contacted for wild aquatic animals, especially amphibian events.
When reporting, be ready to provide your observations (e.g., species affected, suspected pathogen, and any test results received).
Diagnostic Testing and Laboratory Support
Keep in mind that field observations alone are not sufficient to confirm or rule out aquatic animal pathogens of concern. Definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing conducted by approved or recognized facilities with appropriate expertise. In the United States, aquatic animal diagnostics are conducted through a network of state, federal, university‑affiliated, and private laboratories. In cases of suspected foreign animal pathogens, sample submission to laboratories should occur only after consultation with appropriate animal health authorities, who will provide guidance on sample collection, handling, and submission.
Shared Responsibilty for Aquatic Animal Health
Protecting aquatic animal health in the U.S. is a shared responsibility among producers, resource managers, diagnosticians, regulators, and the public.
Recognizing and reporting unusual illness and death are critical responsibilities for those working with aquatic animals and key components of national aquatic animal health protection. Early recognition by individuals working in the field is one of the most effective tools for limiting disease spread and reducing impacts on aquatic industries and ecosystems.