Koi Dealer Best Health Practices Certification Program

[Nancy M.]

I was just thinking about this new program, that AKCA is trying to get going. I went on to AKCA website, and was reading the details of the proposal. It sounds good on paper, but I have a few thoughts.

1. Will AKCA be held accountable if one of there Certified dealers, customers states they got KHV from said dealer?

2. How will AKCA control certain Vets from cashing in on this, and making it strickly a money making bussines for themselfs?

3. Will AKCA certify all there club's and there members?

I think that if AKCA is going to go out and get involved in the retail aspect of the hobby, that they would need to also step in and tell there clubs that all there members need to start, following a certain set of QT protocals themselfs, and perhaps they need to make sure all the members have correctly built "koi ponds" and filtration. Also I think that all the clubs would need to be certified on koi health and water quality. Perhaps AKCA needs to set up some sort of a test, to be given to all new potential members and new clubs. How can these dealers be expected to follow these new guidelines, if we as hobbiest are not willing to also step up to the plate.

One more thought, if I am not mistaken don't all the Shinkokai dealers already have an Import, and QT protocal that they already abide by? Why would any of them want to go to further expense, when they are already doing a great deal more than most, and are already doing KHV testing, and better QT procedures, and bio security.

From AKCA Website

Outline for Koi Dealer Best Health Practices Certification Program

BHP Certification Manual shall contain the minimum requirements for each of the sections given below and include illustrative examples: Dealer requirements:
1. Facility

1. Overall layout - entire facility

2. Stock movement thru facility diagram

3. Quarantine facility location and isolation means

4. Hospital facility (optional)

5. Signage

6. Other as applicable

2. Quarantine protocol

1. Minimum physical requirements

2. Time at temperature

3. Observation and testing protocol for suspected KHVD

4. Other as applicable

3. Biosecurity

1. Equipment sanitation

2. Quarantine entry and exit foot and hand sanitizing

3. Separate equipment requirements

4. Effluent water

5. Dead fish disposal

6. Other as applicable

4. Personnel training plan

1. Initial training

2. Maintenance

5. Record keeping, including forms

6. Reporting – by dealer to certifying veterinarian
Veterinarian certification procedures– to be included in BHP Manual
1. Minimum verification requirements by veterinarian relative to dealer certification

a. Initial set-up – all paperwork, facilities, personnel training

b. Ongoing verification to maintain certification

c. General conditions for revocation of certification

d. Provisions for potential re-certification post revocation

2. Response by veterinarian in reply to reports of the following:

a. General, i.e., no problems

b. Minor biosecurity breach

c. Serious biosecurity breach

d. KHV infection suspected or found
Other information and suggestions for the benefit of certifying veterinarians – separate from BHP Manual: Last revised 2-13-07
1. Possible options for implementation – description of multiple ways implementation might be accomplished, e.g., largely DIY set-up with veterinarian review vs. veterinarian planning and direction of set-up

2. Any training that may be available for Certifying veterinarians

3. How the program might be used to facilitate veterinarian certificates of individual fish or entire lots of fish.
Materials to be prepared by AKCA with input from legal counsel, veterinarians and dealer groups and included in separate materials for veterinarians:
1. Sample certificate (issued to Dealer)

2. Sample agreement between veterinarian and dealer

3. Conditions of use by AKCA for certifying veterinarians granting free use of all Program materials

[MCA]

Shinkokai should write standards for Breeders amd/or dealers. AKCA is an amateur/hobbiest organization. It has not real or imagined authority over breeders or dealers. Heck, it has very little authority over member clubs. Don't even think about it controlling professionals...vets, breeders, dealers, or others.

So, great that someone drafted something. Then it is up to breeders and dealers to first join Shinkokai (or other appropriate organization), then Shinkokai adopt the ideas (or create own), and enforce those rules.

Personally, I don't see it happening.

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by MCA Shinkokai should write standards for Breeders amd/or dealers. AKCA is an amateur/hobbiest organization. It has not real or imagined authority over breeders or dealers. Heck, it has very little authority over member clubs. Don't even think about it controlling professionals...vets, breeders, dealers, or others. So, great that someone drafted something. Then it is up to breeders and dealers to first join Shinkokai (or other appropriate organization), then Shinkokai adopt the ideas (or create own), and enforce those rules. Personally, I don't see it happening.

Shinkokai is a dealers organization, not sure about breeders? they already have there standards writen. Unforunately they don't allow just anyone to become a member. It is not cheap to join I think it is around $2000 for the 1st year.

I agree and think that ALL Shinkokai dealers are already doing an excellent job, on QT protocals, testing, bio security.

It is the smaller dealers and backyard dealers, that have never heard of Qt and testing.. The ones that buy there fish over here in the USA, and think just because they are buying wholesale from a reputable dealer, and that the fish were already QT'ed at the wholesalers shop, that they can just pick them up at the airport, throw them in there pond, (with all the other fishies that they already had) and start selling them. Those are the dealers that need education.

[JasPR]

I agree. AKCA is an amateur organization and has no business dictating to professionals. There is enough work for AKCA in the amateur world. JR

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. Shinkokai is a dealers organization, not sure about breeders?

Hi nancy,

In japan Shinkokai is breeders and dealers.

[KoiCop]

I agree: AKCA is a hobbyist organization and has no business trying to advise, organize or control dealers and breeders.

Send it to Joel Burkard, the head of Shinkokai in the US, and let him wrassle with it.

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russell Peters Hi nancy, In japan Shinkokai is breeders and dealers.

Yes Russ, but not here in the USA.. And since we are talking AKCA and USA, Japan does not even play into the equation.

[koiczar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. It is the smaller dealers and backyard dealers, that have never heard of Qt and testing.. The ones that buy there fish over here in the USA, and think just because they are buying wholesale from a reputable dealer, and that the fish were already QT'ed at the wholesalers shop, that they can just pick them up at the airport, throw them in there pond, (with all the other fishies that they already had) and start selling them. Those are the dealers that need education.

Nancy, what makes you think these people will WANT to do something that can't be enforced by an amateur organization. Especially as it would be considered as a detriment cost wise to their little business venture. Would this also include all the Petsmart and WallyMart establishments as well?

Mike

[Nancy M.]

Quote: Originally Posted by koiczar Nancy, what makes you think these people will WANT to do something that can't be enforced by an amateur organization. Especially as it would be considered as a detriment cost wise to their little business venture. Would this also include all the Petsmart and WallyMart establishments as well? Mike

LOL mike,

I never for a minute thought that any of those backyard dealers or the wallymart stores would consider testing, or following any type of Qt protocal. That would be kind of like the R & G people building a real koi pond with all the right filtration and drains... Cuts into the pocket change..

[koiczar]

That's exactly correct!!

Mike

Quote: Originally Posted by Nancy M. LOL mike, I never for a minute thought that any of those backyard dealers or the wallymart stores would consider testing, or following any type of Qt protocal. That would be kind of like the R & G people building a real koi pond with all the right filtration and drains... Cuts into the pocket change..