Aquatic animals are included in the concept of ‘animals’ above. Diagnostic procedures for some aquatic animal diseases
used to be included in the OIE International Animal Health Code (1986 edition), but it became clear that separate publications specific to aquatic animal health were needed. The reasons are that the conditions, problems and requirements in this field are different to those encountered in other animals, and that international trade in aquatic animals and their products is intensifying and increasing in importance.
The purpose of this Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals (referred to hereafter as the Aquatic Manual) is to provide a uniform approach to the diagnosis of the diseases listed in the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code (referred to hereafter as the Aquatic Code), so that the requirements for health certification in connection with trade in aquatic animals and aquatic animal products, can be met.
Although many publications exist on the diagnosis and control of aquatic animal diseases, the Aquatic Manual is a key document describing the methods that can be applied to the OIE-listed diseases in aquatic animal health laboratories all over the world, thus increasing efficiency and promoting improvements in aquatic animal health worldwide.
The task of compiling the Aquatic Manual was assigned to the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission
(Aquatic Animals Commission), and all the chapters were circulated to OIE Member Countries for comments and
revision. The Aquatic Manual will be continually revised and updated as new information on aquatic animal diseases
in general, and new emerging diseases in particular, becomes available. It is intended to publish a new edition every two
years; intermittent changes will be available on the OIE Web site.
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