Global consultation highlights priorities for aquatic animal health

Three new reports identify research needs for crustacean, mollusc and amphibian health worldwide

WOAH and the STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) have published three new reports presenting the outcomes of a global consultation on aquaculture health research, identifying priority areas for crustacean, mollusc and amphibian health. 

The reports provide guidance for future research investments and international collaboration to strengthen aquatic animal health and support sustainable aquaculture development.

Addressing key research gaps in aquatic animal health 

Aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in global food security, livelihoods and economic development. As the sector faces evolving disease threats, environmental pressures and changing production systems, research and innovation are essential to develop effective solutions for aquatic animal health.  

Equally important is international research coordination to ensure that limited resources are directed towards the highest-priority needs, promoting collaboration, reducing duplication and accelerating progress towards sustainable and healthy aquaculture systems. 

To support these efforts, WOAH and the STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) have published three new reports presenting the outcomes of the 2025 Global Consultation on Aquaculture Health Research. Focusing on crustaceans, molluscs and amphibians, the reports provide a global assessment of priority research areas identified by experts from around the world. 

Together with the finfish reports published following the Advancing Aquaculture Health Research workshop held at WOAH Headquarters in Paris in February 2025, these publications contribute to a comprehensive global research agenda for aquatic animal health. 

Common research priorities: diseases control strategies, diagnostics, vaccines and other antimicrobial alternatives 

The global consultation was distributed to 440 experts and stakeholders worldwide, including WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Focal Points, WOAH Reference Centres, researchers and other specialists involved in aquatic animal health. 

Across the three reports, several common priorities emerged. These include improving the understanding and control of high-impact and emerging diseases, developing affordable and field-adapted diagnostic tools, strengthening biosecurity measures and identifying alternatives to antimicrobial use including vaccines. Participants also highlighted the need for greater knowledge of the environmental and climatic factors that influence disease emergence and spread in aquatic production systems. 

The findings emphasise the importance of developing practical and accessible solutions that can be implemented across diverse production settings and geographical regions. They also highlight opportunities for enhanced international collaboration to address shared challenges and accelerate the development of effective disease prevention and control strategies. 

Supporting coordinated global action 

The reports integrate the collaborative discussions on finfish initiated during the WOAH–STAR IDAZ Advancing Aquaculture Health Research workshop and contribute to ongoing efforts to identify knowledge gaps and align research activities at the global level. 

The findings support the implementation of the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Strategy and provide valuable guidance for researchers, funding organisations, policy-makers and other stakeholders working to strengthen aquatic animal health and promote sustainable aquaculture development worldwide. 

Acknowledging global expertise 

WOAH and STAR IDAZ warmly thank all experts who participated in the consultation and shared their knowledge and experience. Their contributions were essential in developing a globally relevant assessment of aquatic animal health research priorities. 

WOAH and STAR IDAZ also acknowledge the support of their partners and sponsors, including the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the European Commission, DISCONTOOLS, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI), GALVmed and the Gates Foundation. 

The reports are available through the WOAH Documentary Portal and the STAR IDAZ Aquatic Diseases Priority Topic webpage. 

More information

WOAH Documentary Portal – Aquaculture Health Research Survey: Report of the global consultation on aquaculture research priorities:  

• Finfish Section 

• Crustacean Section  

• Molluscs Section  

• Amphibians Section  

Highest Priority Research Areas for Finfish Health: Policy Brief April 2025 

WOAH Newsletter article: Advancing Aquaculture Health Research