Open AccessPrevalence of parasitic infections on cultured Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) In Bong County, Liberia
Author(s) -
Samuel Addo,
S. Mullah,
Patrick K. Ofori-Danson,
Samuel K. K. Amponsah,
Josephine O. Nyarko
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0855-1448
DOI - 10.4314/gjs.v62i1.2
Subject(s) - oreochromis , nile tilapia , biology , veterinary medicine , fish farming , tilapia , infection rate , fishery , aquatic animal , aquaculture , fish <actinopterygii> , zoology , medicine , surgery
This study investigated the prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean intensity of parasites infecting cultured Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. in three fish farms, Gbarnga, Warta and CARI in Bong County, Liberia. Organs from thirty fish samples were examined from September 2016 to February 2017, along with water quality parameters. Results showed the occurrence of seven parasites including protozoans, monogeneans, digeneans, cestodes, hirudineans, nematodes and crustaceans which were organ specific in terms of infection. The prevalence of the parasites varied seasonally, with the highest numbers occurring in November-January. The low prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean intensity of the parasites showed no threat to fish farmers in Liberia. All the water quality parameters were at desirable levels for the culture of the fish except nitrite, which was beyond the threshold for sustainable fish culture. It is therefore concluded that although parasitic infections in the three farms in the Bong County were low, best farm management practices are essential.