We completed an import risk assessment (IRA) for ornamental finfish in 1999.
Steps to complete this risk analysis
When we do a risk analysis, we:
- start the risk analysis by reviewing the science on pests and diseases of concern
- assess and analyse biosecurity risks
- develop proposed risk management measures
- consult the public on the draft report and then review comments
- publish a final report
- develop import conditions
- publish import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON)
In 2004 we suspended the importation of barramundi cod due to altered risk factors and changed sourcing and end-use patterns.
In 2014 we completed a review of the biosecurity risk of gourami iridovirus and related viruses for freshwater ornamental fish and updated the import conditions.
Check current conditions for importing freshwater ornamental fish in BICON.
Register in BICON to receive an alert if conditions change.
Learn more about why we carry out risk analyses and our international obligations.
About the final reports
The 1999 IRA recommended that imports of live ornamental fish be allowed, provided they met the import conditions specified in the IRA. Following the 2014 review, these conditions were updated for gourami virus and related viruses in freshwater ornamental fish.
All imports must meet the biosecurity import conditions.
The final reports detail:
- diseases of biosecurity concern
- risk assessments for the identified diseases
- recommended risk management measures.
Diseases
The 1999 and 2014 final reports named diseases that need risk management measures. These are:
- goldfish haematopoietic necrosis virus
- iridoviruses of freshwater ornamental finfish
- spring viraemia of carp virus
- Aeromonas salmonicida (‘typical’ strains and exotic ‘atypical’ strains)
- Dactylogyrus vastator and D. extensus
- Argulus foliaceus and A. coregoni
- Lernaea elegans.
Risk management measures
In summary, the 1999 report recommended risk management measures including;
- certification that the source of the fish was free from the above diseases
- visual inspection on arrival
- post-arrival quarantine periods
- diagnostic testing during quarantine
- treatment of fish during quarantine.
The 2014 report recommended that fish of the gourami, cichilid and poecilid families be permitted for import for ornamental purposes if batch testing prior to export shows the fish to be free of megalocytiviruses, or the fish are sourced from a country, zone or compartment recognised by Australia to be free of megalocytiviruses (based on active surveillance).
More detailed information is provided in the reports.
Download final reports
Department of Agriculture, 2014
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163 |
2.8 MB |
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163 |
2.8 MB |
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Model health certificates for imported ornamental (aquarium) finfish – valid from 1 March 2016 PDF |
10 |
884 KB |
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Model health certificates for imported ornamental (aquarium) finfish – valid from 1 March 2016 DOCX |
10 |
168 KB |
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 2004
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, 1999
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Pages |
File size |
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187 |
836 KB |
If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for help.
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Contact us
For more information about this review email Animal Biosecurity.