How to design a RAS farm to prevent disease
Quick answer
Disease prevention in RAS starts at design: split the farm into separate production units, disinfect incoming water, quarantine new fish, buy certified disease-free eggs or juveniles, and control movement of people, equipment and water between zones.
Separate production units
Independent units with their own water treatment stop a disease in one part of the farm from spreading everywhere. This also allows batch emptying and disinfection.
Water treatment and disinfection
- UV and/or ozone treatment of make-up and recirculating water
- Mechanical filtration to remove solids that carry pathogens
- Stable water quality to reduce fish stress
Operating procedures
- Certified disease-free eggs, fry or smolt
- Quarantine area for new stock
- Clean-to-dirty movement for staff and tools
- Footbaths, hand washing and dedicated clothing per zone
- Regular health checks with a fish veterinarian
Frequently asked questions
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