ABU DHABI: The Business Continuity and Cybersecurity Centre at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) recently conducted a tabletop exercise focused on assessing and improving procedures for managing white spot syndrome in aquatic organisms.
The exercise aimed to ensure rapid response by evaluating and improving procedures, identifying gaps, and addressing common challenges among internal sectors involved in responding to and controlling animal diseases and outbreaks.
During the exercise, the team concentrated on testing the efficiency of existing procedures in dealing with white spot syndrome in aquatic organisms. The evaluation aimed to gauge the readiness of relevant departments within ADAFSA to handle a potential outbreak, enhance emergency response plans, implement disease control measures, and strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders.
This exercise represents a significant step towards strengthening ADAFSA’s readiness to deal with animal diseases and outbreaks. In a s
imulated scenario, the exercise assumed a white spot syndrome outbreak at an aquaculture farm in Abu Dhabi. Participants implemented emergency response plans and epidemic control measures, subsequently assessing the effectiveness of these plans and procedures. Strengths and weaknesses were identified to refine and improve the overall response strategy.
White spot syndrome is a serious viral threat to crustaceans, particularly shrimp, resulting in a significant mortality rate of around 100 percent within a few days. The disease not only threatens fish stocks but also causes substantial economic losses to the shrimp farming industry. In addition, the environmental impact is significant, affecting other living organisms and disrupting the ecosystem. Prevention and control measures are essential to mitigate these risks.
Source: Emirates News Agency