Author(s): Lulijwa Ronald

Abstract: In Rwanda, efforts exist to intensify aquaculture production. In intensive systems, fish coexists with pathogens, hence higher risks of parasitism that might affect growth and lead to diseases. Furthermore, literature on aquaculture parasitology and epidemiology is limited, hence the need for this study. We investigated the parasite burden and the relationship between husbandry and parasitism in dam and pond reared fish in the eastern province. A cross-sectional study was adopted using a questionnaire to collect management data, and fish samples collected for parasite analysis. Parasitology data was analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010, and management data summarised into a table. Findings revealed higher parasitism in dam reared fish than in pond fish; with Goezia sinamora (48.3%) as the most prevalent parasite. Poor husbandry influenced fish parasitism among dam-reared fish. This is the first study to elaborate parasite burden in Rwanda’s farmed fish, and sets the scene for further epidemiological studies.

Pages: 628-632  |  916 Views  155 Downloads

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