Aquaculture disease outbreaks continue to pose significant threats to the sustainability and profitability of fish farming worldwide. Consequently, biosecurity programs that mitigate the risks of aquatic animal pathogens and diseases have become critical to the aquaculture industry. Biosecurity in aquaculture encompasses a range of practices, procedures, policies, and regulations designed to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and invasive aquatic species (Dvorak, 2009; Aladetohun et al., 2024). Implementing a biosecurity program remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies for reducing the spread of pathogens and invasive species within fish farms (FIAC, 2010).
This study assessed biosecurity practices in fish farms across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in southern Lagos State, Nigeria: Epe, Ibeju Lekki, and Eti Osa. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select these LGAs, while cluster sampling was used to identify 62 fish farmers within the study areas. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, aquaculture practices, and biosecurity compliance levels. Key biosecurity measures examined included the isolation of diseased fish, acclimatization procedures, feed quality assessment, effluent and dead fish disposal, and water quality monitoring. The study employed descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis for data presentation and interpretation.
Findings revealed that 66.7% of fish farmers in the study areas did not implement biosecurity measures, while 74.5% lacked awareness and understanding of biosecurity principles. The majority of fish farmers were between the ages of 21 and 38, a demographic with the potential for rapid adaptation to biosecurity innovations if adequately informed. As shown in Figure 1, the lack of awareness was a key factor influencing non-compliance with biosecurity protocols.
This study provides essential baseline data highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and adherence to strict biosecurity and biosafety measures in fish farms to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks and ensure sustainable aquaculture practices.