Antipodean aquaculture agents.

Parallel features exist among diseases in Antipodean hosts when compared with those in other tropical and temperate regions. These features can be associated between infections in fish and prawns and between infections in freshwater and saltwater systems. Both fish and prawns are prone to physical stress, to behavioural stress, and to both introduced and native disease agents, agents that are limiting factors in several established aquaculture ventures. Both types of hosts are reared in a variety of facilities, each allowing for a different dynamic predisposition for disease. These diseases include those caused by native freshwater, estuarine and marine agents in both introduced and native hosts, and by introduced agents in those hosts. Some infections reflect unexpected or unidentifiable agents and host responses. Much can be learned in Australia and New Zealand from the infections, successes, failures and innovative methodologies experienced or used in the rest of the world. Potential in the Antipodes for production of unique and abundant fishery products is immense for both local and export markets. Approaches, however, should remain cautious regarding introductions and persistent regarding the investigation of potential diseases, host responses, diagnostic methods and management techniques.