AQUATIC ANIMAL
HEALTH STANDARDS COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER
2010 REPORT
Chapter 7.4.
KILLING OF FARMED FISH
FOR DISEASE CONTROL PURPOSES
Article 7.4.1.
Scope
These recommendations
are based on the premise that a decision to kill the farmed fish has been made, and address the need to ensure the welfare of the farmed fish until they are dead.The killing of individual
farmed fish, in the course of farming operations (i.e. sorting, grading, or background morbidity) is out of the scope of this chapter.Account should also
be taken of the guidance given in the following chapters in the Aquatic Code: Chapter 4.4. Contingency planning, Chapter 4.6. Handling, disposal and treatment of aquatic animal waste, Chapter 5.4. Control of aquatic animal health risks associated with transport, Chapter 7.2. Welfare of farmed fish during transport and Chapter 7.3. Welfare aspects of stunning and killing of farmed fish for human consumption.Article 7.4.2.
General principles
1. Contingency
plans for disease control should be in place at a national level and should contain details of disease control strategies, managerial structure, and operational procedures. Fish welfare considerations should be addressed within such contingency plans for disease control;2. Depending on
the situation, emergency killing of fish may be carried on site or fish are transported to an approved killing facility;3. Fish not suitable