Fish Health Management and Biosecurity Compliance in Some Fish Farms in the Southern Part of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was an assessment of fish health management and biosecurity compliance in 62 fish farms in the southern part of Lagos State Nigeria. Cluster sampling was used in selecting the farmers in the study areas. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaires and interview. Descriptive and Chi square statistic was used for data presentation and analysis. The study revealed that majority of the respondents have attained tertiary education (63.5%), with 5 -9 years of experience in fish farming (75.8%). Majority of the fish farmers (66.7%) lack awareness of biosecurity. The sudy showed that all the respondents do not vaccinate their fish, do not use hand sanitizer and do not use specific protective clothing, respectively. Also all the respondents reported daily fish mortality ranging from 1-44 fish. This study concludes that there is a paucity of knowledge on fish health management systems and biosecurity measures which presents a serious threat to aquaculture production in the studied areas and poses a great risk of disease spread to neighbouring fish farms. This study recommends the development of a coordinated awareness campaigns on fish health manage‑ ment and biosecurity measures to fish farmers in the study areas, by fish pathologists and aquatic veterinarian. This can be done through seminars, workshops, conferences and advisory services, to ensure optimum fish production. The findings of this study will serve as a baseline information for fish farmers to adhere to strict biosecurity and biosafety measures in their fish farms to avoid the spread of diseases in their fish populations.