QuestionsQuestions (FISHERIES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 220, S. 2001, DECEMBER 4, 2001)
It covers the operation of the BFAR Fish Health Laboratories and its affiliate laboratories.
They include: (a) fish disease diagnoses; (b) water quality analysis related to disease diagnosis and fish health problems/fish killa; (c) technical advice on fish health management; (d) disease surveillance and reporting system; (e) technical support to fish inspection and quarantine services; (f) on-site visits to fish farms/places with fish health problems; (g) fish kill investigations; and (h) technical support on quality control of animal feeds, veterinary drugs, and chemicals in aquaculture.
It must be housed in a permanent concrete/semi-concrete building complying with the local building code; have adequate space for equipment and work areas; adequate running water and regular electric supply; appropriate drainage, lighting, and ventilation; effective separation between chemical, biological, microbiological analysis, and cleaning/sterilizing areas; and safety provisions such as detectors, emergency lighting/exists, shower and eyewash, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, fume hoods, and protective personnel equipment.
The Chief of the Fish Health Section supervises the Central Laboratory. The designated regional health officer is under the technical supervision of the Central Fish Health Laboratory.
Minimum personnel: 1 Supervising Fish Health Officer, 1 licensed veterinarian, 1 registered chemist, 1 laboratory technician, and 1 laboratory aide.
They must have a qualified degree in biology or any equivalent course in the natural sciences and adequate training on fish health analysis and water quality analysis.
The fish health laboratories must follow one set of laboratory protocol. The Central Fish Health Laboratory prepares the protocols based on established international guidelines, and the management protocol must include procedures to ensure good laboratory practice and safety.
The laboratory must keep diagnostic records and specimen samples for future reference, ensuring security, integrity, and retrievability of records and data for a specified period.
Regional laboratories are monitored/evaluated regularly by the Central Laboratory. The Central Laboratory is monitored/evaluated by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UP Los Baños) and the UP Research and Analytical Services Laboratory (UP Natural Science Research Institute, Diliman, Quezon City).
Regional laboratories undergo inspection/assessment by the Central and Reference laboratories; receive a summary of evaluation/suggestions/recommendations; implement improvement procedures and address non-compliances; participate in interlaboratory testing/proficiency tests; discuss proficiency results and adopt suggestions/recommendations; and then receive a Certificate of Accreditation if qualified.
P50.00.
P600.00.
Dissolved oxygen: P150.00; Salinity: P30.00.
Histopathological examination: P500.00; Total suspended solids: P200.00.
It has legal force and effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation, and fifteen (15) days after registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register.