Importation of mycobacteriosis with ornamental fish: Medico-legal implications

Actually in EU there is a significant trade in alien organisms, mainly fish, as ornamental species. Considering the potential role of these animal movements in eliciting the spreading of diseases/zoonoses, it is necessary to limit introduction of new species and to secure animal health, promoting the application of Code of Practice. Moreover, some bacterial species are considered a potential risk for human beings. On the basis of above considerations and of a report of some cases of mycobacteriosis in imported ornamental fish in Sicily, the Authors carried out some legal reflections, stressing the following points: (i) A list of third countries from which Member States are authorized to import live fish should be established. (ii) It is necessary to lay down specific animal health conditions and model certificates for those third countries, in order to prevent the introduction of disease agents. Within Europe, the Decision 2003/858/EC and Directive 2006/88/EC do not apply to tropical ornamental fish. Individual EU countries do require health certification for imported ornamental fish under the Directive 91/67/EEC. However, there is great variation in policy for importation of ornamental fish between countries within regions. The Regulation 998/2003/EC on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals establishes that these ones must be accompanied by a certificate issued by an official veterinarian attesting to health of fish in consignment and that their source was free of specified disease agents. (iii) It is necessary that countries or parts thereof from which Member States are authorized to import live fish must apply conditions for disease control and monitoring at least equivalent to Community standards. (iv) Sampling and testing methods used for the detection of fish diseases must be in accordance with those laid down in the OIE Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals. (v) Finally, a public education program on the risks related to imported ornamental fish should be implemented.