Implement programmes for fish that control treatments and maintain their health

This standard is about implementing programmes for fish that control treatments and maintain their health. It relates to the maintenance of fish health, through recognising signs and symptoms of abnormalities, to aid and promote treatment of fish through a treatment programme.

To achieve it you must show that you are able to establish health maintenance programmes, maintain their effective implementation and control treatment programmes, as prescribed by a vet.

This standard requires that you carry out work safely in line with relevant legal and health and safety requirements and that you work to maintain bio-security and minimise environmental disturbance at all times.

The relevant legislation controlling the application of this standard will vary depending on the location of the fishery in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

1. carry out activities safely to implement programmes for fish to control treatments and maintain their health, in line with relevant health and safety requirements
2. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work required
3. select, prepare and maintain equipment to control fish treatments and maintain their health, to the required standard of the fishery
4. implement programmes to control treatments and maintain fish health through the maintenance of environmental conditions and stocking densities in holding units
5. implement prophylactic health programmes to maintain the health of fish
6. recognise ill-health and symptoms of abnormality in fish to assist with diagnosis
7. request veterinarian advice, where appropriate, based on a description of symptoms
8. where appropriate, inform relevant authorities of any detected notifiable fish diseases
9. take immediate action to minimise the potential impact of fish health emergencies
10. control the preparation of fish health treatments at recommended dosages, according to veterinary instructions
11. administer health treatments to fish at recommended dosages, according to veterinary instructions
12. control the administration of treatments to cause minimum disturbance to fish stock and the environment
13. take emergency action to correct any adverse effects caused by treatments to fish
14. control the safe disposal of waste, unused and spent fish treatments according to relevant legal requirements
15. monitor treated fish to evaluate their recovery and the effectiveness of the treatments
16. maintain accurate fish health records in accordance with relevant organisational and legal requirements
17. maintain suitable levels of hygiene and bio-security when implementing programmes for fish that control treatments and maintain their health

1. the relevant legal requirements controlling the health maintenance programmes and use of treatments for fish
2. the importance of using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. the equipment that is required to implement programmes  that control fish treatments and maintain their health
4. the importance of implementing programmes for fish which are relevant to the correct treatments
5. normal healthy fish behaviour and the signs that indicate ill health or the effects of treatments
6. common diseases and causes of ill-health in the fish species farmed
7. what the internal organs of fish look like and how disease can alter their appearance
8. why it is essential to take immediate action if notifiable fish diseases are suspected
9. how to report notifiable fish diseases
10. how fish health is maintained through the application of good husbandry techniques
11. prophylactic health treatments and their application in the maintenance of fish health
12. fish health emergencies and how it is possible to limit their impact on fish farm stock
13. the common treatments used to prevent and cure health problems in fish
14. the correct application of internal and external fish treatments
15. dosage calculations and the importance of accuracy in the preparation of fish treatments
16. the control substances hazardous to health requirements (COSHH), and how they control the use of fish treatments
17. how fish treatments can impact on non-target stock and the environment
18. how to calculate withdrawal periods
19. the reasons for keeping fish health records, and the importance of their accuracy
20. the importance of hygiene and bio-security and its role in minimising risks to the fishery

Notifiable diseases

Fish diseases that need to be notified to DEFRA/SERAD

Prophylactic

Preventative treatment