Aquaculture Health Management Practices in Zambia: Status, Challenges and Proposed Biosecurity Measures

Abstract

Aquaculture is an important industry in Zambia which is contributing to economic development, food security and employment in the country. Significant increase in aquaculture production has been recorded recently, although its full potential is still far from being realized. Because of this, efforts are being made by the Zambian government to make the industry a more viable venture to expand its production. As these efforts continue to make a positive impact, and aquaculture production continue to increase, diseases of aquatic animals are likely to emerge and threaten the sustainability of the industry. Here, we review the status and challenges associated with aquaculture health management practices in Zambia as well as proposed biosecurity measures farmers may adopt to minimize the likelihood of fish disease outbreaks. The paper has established that despite the country having been spared from aquaculture diseases so far, there is lack of appropriate measures to prevent and control disease outbreaks. Overall, aquaculture producers in Zambia may benefit significantly from adopting available biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks in their enterprises.