"Biosecurity issues are an increasingly important issue for aquaculture producers throughout the north-central region of the United States," said Bob Pierce, University of Missouri Extension fish and wildlife specialist.

MU Extension is a co-sponsor of the workshop with the Missouri Aquaculture Association, the Missouri Agriculture and Conservation departments, Lincoln University, Arkat Nutrition and Silver Cup Fish Feed.

The 2009 Missouri Aquaculture Biosecurity Workshop is designed to help people understand the need for biosecurity and learn how to practice it in their operations, Pierce said.

Biosecurity concerns in aquaculture include the threat of invasive species and the spread of problem organisms and diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), a highly contagious viral disease that has triggered large die-offs of fish in the Great Lakes.

"Missouri remains VHS-free, but prevention and utilizing appropriate management techniques will be key to the future success of Missouri aquaculture," Pierce said.

Workshop topics include disease-testing strategies, tools to help implement biosecurity measures on the farm and techniques to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases. There also will be a session outlining procedures that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may use to register aquaculture facilities as disease-free.

"An excellent program has been planned and a great set of speakers have been identified to provide the most up-to-date information possible on this important topic," Pierce said.

Registration is $10 per person before Jan. 16 and $20 thereafter. There will be a pre-workshop banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Truman Hotel in Jefferson City. Banquet reservations are $22 per person and must be made by Jan. 16. Send registration and payment to Missouri Aquaculture Association, P.O. Box 6864, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.

For more information about the program or for registration details, call Bart Hawcroft, Missouri Department of Agriculture, at 866-466-8283.