Fish Bacterial Management in the University of Calabar Fish Farm.pdf

Abstract: The research study is to control fish bacterial diseases or infections through application of bio control methods such as vaccines etc several methods have been tried to control fish diseases including the use of antibiotics but their haphazard use is associated with potentially negative effects as drug resistance and drug residues. The Clariidae is a freshwater fish family of the Siluroidei which apparently originated from Africa. The Clariidae are the African catfishes - so-called because of their whiskers resemble those of cats. Their geographical range currently extends to the Middle East and South-east Asia. The genus Clarias occurs in both Africa and Asia. Listed 12 african genera with 74 species. The catfish are the preferred candidates for aquaculture in Nigeria accounting or over 60% of total aquaculture production of approx 88,000 metric tonnes. The advantages they bring to culture include their air-breathing capabilities which enables then to withstand oxygen- deficient conditions which characterize most culture conditions, generally hardy nature and resistance to diseases and fairly rapid growth-rate. As a result of these, they can be adapted for intensive production at densities of over 1000kg/m³. Market acceptability due to the large size, firm flesh and good taste add to the mix.The culture of catfishes currently is in the increase in Nigeria mainly due to the current availability of commercial feeds though at a high cost. I received funding from the International Foundation for Science (IFS) Based in Sweden for research into the pathogen problems militating against increase hatchery production of the various species of catfishes cultured in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Our research disclose a range of important pathological conditions inimical to the culture of African Clariidae. In general single cell, direct life cycle pathogens more likely to cause harm to cultured fish on account of the high densities and the lack of need for an intermediate host or vector. In spite of myriad pathogens capable of infecting catfishes, here we shall concentrate on those capable of causing harm under culture conditions particularly intensive culture systems. Keywords: Fish bacteria, probiotics, vaccination, bio control measures