As Aquaculture grows rapidly world-wide, it is note-worthy that parasitic infections are contributing to economic loss due to mortalities, tissue damage and stunted growth of fish. Hence, findings on the presence, intensity, prevalence of parasites in aquaculture holding facilities, coupled with the likelihood of cross-transmission in culture systems is important in developing effective prevention and control protocols. In view of the afore-stated points, this study investigated the prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean intensity of parasites infecting cultured African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in three fish farms located in Abesim, Fiapre and Kuotokrom in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana.
Organs (Gills, Stomach, Intestine and Skin) from one-hundred and twenty (120) fish samples across the three farm locations were harvested over a period of two (2) months. Parasitic examination was carried out on them to determine parasite loads in the harvested fish samples by using standard laboratory procedures.
Results showed the occurrence of four (4) parasites: protozoans, cestodes, nematodes and trematodes which were mostly organ specific in terms of infection. The protozoa parasites observed were Ichthyopthirius spp, Trichodina spp and Costia spp. The prevalence of the parasites varied per farm location and sex of fish. Thirty-three (33) out of fifty-six (56) males with weight range (500-799) g had the highest (58.9%) prevalence rate. This indicated a positive relationship between size, sex and prevalence of infection. Abesim had the highest parasites (nematode) abundance of thirty (30), the highest infestation of parasite loads: Ichthyophthirius multifilis, Trichodina and Costia were recorded in the fish skin. The highest (217.5) relative abundance of infestation was recorded at Abesim while, Kotokroum had the highest (429.4) mean intensity of infestation. The high prevalence rate, relative abundance and mean intensity of these parasites are of public health concern and a threat to both fish farmers and fish consumers in Sunyani.
It is therefore recommended that best farm management practices are employed in the production of safe farm-raised fish for sustainable food security.
Key words: Fish, Aquaculture, Parasites, Food Safety, Bono Region.