In the previous article, the efficacy of Huvepharma® hygiene products against the main pathogenic bacterial strain affecting fish and shrimp species were presented. In this article we will explain the application of the products in hatcheries and nurseries in order to minimise the risk of infection to support healthy and stable production in aquaculture.
Description of hatcheries and nurseries in aquaculture
The European Union, in Regulation (EC) No 762/2008, define hatcheries and nurseries as "places for the artificial breeding, hatching, and rearing through the early life stages of aquatic animals". This includes all aquatic species.
The main purpose of hatcheries and nurseries is to produce juveniles for transfer to other facilities, where they are grown until they reach a commercial size. The use of hatcheries and nurseries also serve the purpose of reducing the dependence on wild-caught juveniles, out-of-season production, compensatory growth gain, quarantine as support to limit disease spread, and genetic applications.
The hatchery will be set up based on the species. In general, however, hatcheries can be recognised by seven main structural elements:
Figure 1. Typical shrimp nursery facility
Cleaning and disinfection protocols
Product utilisation
It is important to note that the following cleaning and disinfection protocols must be carried out during the sanitary break and without the presence of animals. Figure 2 shows which products should be used on which structural element.
Figure 2. Overview of products to use for cleaning and disinfection of different structural elements
Protocol for tanks and reservoirs in concrete and plastic liners
Figure 3 shows an example of a tank with a plastic liner.
After harvest
Before stocking
Figure 3. Plastic liner tanks used in aquaculture
Protocol for water pipelines
Figure 4 shows an example of the pipelines and water filtration systems used in nurseries and hatcheries.
Cleaning
Disinfection
Figure 4. Pipelines and water filtration systems used in nurseries and hatcheries
Protocol for equipment and structures
Figure 5 shows a typical nursery facility.
Equipment - i.e. feeding systems, buckets, nets, laboratory materials, etc.
Floor, ceilings and walls
Figure 5. General view of nursery facilities and Artemia room
Protocol for large ponds with concrete floors and walls
Figure 6 shows a typical nursery unit with large tanks housed in concrete.
After harvesting
Before stocking the animals
Figure 6. Large tanks in concrete used in nurseries
Protocol for large tanks or ponds with dirty floors and walls
Figure 7 shows examples of large tanks with concrete or HDPE walls and dirty floors.
After harvesting
Figure 7. Large ponds with concrete or HDPE walls and dirty floors
The Huvepharma® sales team can be contacted for adapted and tailor-made protocols.