First-Ever WOAH Mobile App: Aquatic Animal Diseases Field Guide

Your pocket guide to understanding WOAH-listed aquatic animal diseases

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has released its first-ever mobile application: Aquatic Animal Diseases Field Guide—a practical field guide that puts essential information on WOAH-listed aquatic animal diseases at users’ fingertips. Built around WOAH’s Aquatic Animal Health Code, the app supports timely recognition, sampling and reporting, helping frontline users strengthen aquatic animal health and biosecurity.

Getting the app?

The mobile Field Guide is designed for quick reference during routine monitoring and in response to suspected disease events.

The app is available on :

• Google Play (Android) – Aquatic Diseases Field Guide
• App Store (iOS) – WOAH Aquatic Diseases

Why this app?

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food sectors, and effective prevention and response to disease depends on fast and reliable detection. The app provides ready access to information about aquatic animal diseases listed by WOAH in the Aquatic Animal Health Code.

The diseases covered are WOAH notifiable diseases of international significance which are reportable through the WOAH World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). The app also includes information on several emerging diseases of fish and crustaceans which have recorded transboundary movements in recent years.

Who it is for

The app is aimed at fishery and aquaculture managers, their field staff, Veterinary Services and aquatic animal health professionals. It serves as a valuable and convenient reference for those involved in national surveillance and monitoring for aquatic animal diseases. The app provides an informative account of the diseases and pathogenic agents that pose a threat to fisheries and the growing aquaculture industry worldwide.

What it includes

Each disease profile summarises the nature of the disease and its causative agents—viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites—and highlights typical gross signs with photographs to support recognition in the field.

The content aligns with terminology in the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Code, and is organised by host group (fish, molluscs, crustaceans, amphibians) for quick navigation. Brief sampling checklists guide users on collecting representative animal and environmental samples for laboratory analysis, and the app links directly to the WOAH Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals for the standard methods used for confirmation.

Field recognition is not a diagnosis

Photographs and visible signs can help an investigator compile a preliminary list of possible diseases—a differential diagnosis. However, gross signs alone are not adequate for definitive diagnosis. Confirmation requires appropriate sampling and laboratory testing using validated methods, as described in the WOAH Manual of Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals. The app emphasises this distinction and points users to the relevant procedures.

Environment matters

Not all disease events are infectious. Morbidity and mortality in aquatic animals can also result from environmental factors such as oxygen depletion, aquatic toxins or sudden changes in temperature or salinity—whether natural or human‑influenced. The app introduces the host–agent–environment interaction that determines whether disease is expressed, helping users consider environmental factors alongside pathogen-focused investigations.

Reporting responsibilities

Fishery and aquaculture managers, farmers and staff should be aware of their responsibilities to rapidly report suspected disease according to their country’s national list of reportable aquatic animal diseases. The app provides information on when to notify and directs users to contact their Competent Authority. Early reporting underpins effective control and helps protect trade and livelihoods.

Contact: WOAH Standards Department ([email protected])