Proposed National Aquatic Animal Health Plan 



APHIS-VS is one of three Federal agencies developing a National Aquatic Animal 

 Health Plan (NAAHP) under the auspices of the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture 

 ( JSA). The JSA, a Federal interagency group authorized by the National Aquaculture 

 Act, serves to coordinate aquaculture efforts in the various Federal agencies. The JSA 

 has many task forces. The National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force (NAAHTF) 

 has been charged to develop the NAAHP. The rationale for developing such a plan is 

 to protect our country's wild and cultured resources, support efficient aquaculture, 

 achieve efficient and predictable commerce, and meet the United States' national and 

 international trade obligations. 



At press time [April 2005], the first four draft chapters of the plan have been 

 circulated to the JSA and stakeholders. Draft chapters can be found on APHIS' 

 Web site at <http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/naah plan.html>. Readers may 

 submit comments cm the draft chapters b)' sending the comments in an e-mail to 

 <naahp@aphis.usda.gov>. 1 he target completion date for draft chapters of the 

 NAAHP is June 2006 with implementation to follow. 



It is expected that accredited veterinarians will play a role in carrying out APHIS 

 activities as they relate to aspects of the NAAHP. 



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