Tilapia aquaculture is vital to food security, nutrition, and income generation, especially in developing regions. However, the intensification of production systems presents growing challenges to fish health and welfare. Poor welfare conditions often driven by parasite infestations, environmental stressors, and inadequate husbandry undermine productivity, compromise biosecurity, and pose risks to public trust and ecosystem stability. This study applies a One Health approach to identify sustainable, welfare-conscious strategies for managing fish health in tilapia aquaculture. By linking aquatic animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and human well-being, One Health offers a holistic framework for disease surveillance and response. This trial experiment focused on validating a non-lethal, ethical method for the detection of Gyrodactylus species, common parasitic threats in both wild and farmed tilapia populations. A controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a hydrogen peroxide bath treatment (560 ppm for 3 minutes) against a traditional lethal treatment using 2-phenoxyethanol (0.15–1.2 mL/L). Sixty tilapia were sampled, targeting an expected mean parasite prevalence of 20%. Parasites were recovered and preserved in ethanol, then identified through morphological screening and High-Resolution Melting (HRM) molecular analysis. Sensitivity was assessed by the likelihood of detecting at least one parasite per infected fish. Statistical comparisons (ANOVA, t-tests, or non-parametric methods) were used to evaluate detection efficacy, time, and cost efficiency. Results confirmed that the hydrogen peroxide method successfully recovered parasites while preserving fish life, offering a viable and welfare-friendly alternative for routine surveillance. This approach supports early disease detection, reduces the need for antibiotics, and aligns with international standards for ethical aquaculture practices. Integrating non-lethal diagnostic methods into fish health monitoring protocols can significantly enhance disease management while upholding fish welfare. The study recommends adoption of One Health-aligned surveillance systems across tilapia production systems, supported by stakeholder training and policy development. By embracing innovative and ethical tools, the aquaculture sector can strengthen sustainability, improve consumer confidence, and protect the interconnected health of fish, people, and the environment.
Keywords: One Health; Tilapia aquaculture; Fish Welfare; Gyrodactylus; Non-lethal Surveillance