Valoración del riesgo vírico asociado a la alimentación con carnada en el engorde del atún rojo (Thunnus thynnus)

Abstract

The fattening of bluefin tuna is a very important economic activity for Spanish aquaculture, and mainly for the Mediterranean area. The feeding is supplied exclusively by bait consisting of complete copies of small pelagic fish and cephalopods like squid. The amount of bait needed to feed these animals is very considerable, since it is estimated between 2 and 10%. The D. G. Livestock and Fisheries within Epidemiological Surveillance Pilot Program in Aquatic Animal Inland Murcia Region started in 2006, provides for the realization of a series of regular checks on the bait used on tuna farms in Murcia´s coast. The objective is to evaluate in a practical way possible transmission of viral diseases to the local wildlife and the rest of aquaculture farms located in the area. In this paper reflects the results of the first four years of this monitoring program.