The rapid development of intensive aquaculture and expansion in trade, coupled with changing climate, has led to an increased prevalence of emergence and re-emergence of pathogens and diseases, globally. Through the many disease outbreaks and mass mortality events in the past four decades, it has become apparent that disease outbreaks have far reaching socioeconomic consequences, affecting livelihoods, food security, and nutrition, which have thus increased awareness of the importance of biosecurity.
Bangladesh—as the fifth-largest aquaculture producer in the world—contributes significantly to domestic animal protein intake. Carp farming is the most popular polyculture system in Bangladesh, which accounts for 55% of total pond production, and the three leading species are Indian major carp species: Rui (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala). With greater acceptability of carp species among farmers, higher market value, and growing domestic demand, the sector has grown successfully in the past decades. However, the sector has also been associated with a considerable risk of viral and bacterial diseases, which might cause up to 15% losses in yield at the production stage alone. Additionally, these diseases could cause up to 11% of fish mortality, 11% rise in chemical costs, 65% reduction in carp growth, and an overall economic loss of around US$350 per hectare. These diseases affect not only the production stage but also the hatchery and nursery stages. Approximately, 140 aqua drugs and chemicals, as well as 30 different antibiotics, are currently in use for the treatments of those diseases, which could be a critical concern to human health. However, disease itself may not be the only factor associated with mortality, as recent findings suggest mortality in infected carps was strongly associated with warming temperatures due to climate change, adding another layer of challenges to the sector.
The Carp Biosecurity in Bangladesh team proposes a novel approach to develop cost-effective carp biosecurity measures with public-private participation. The approach is a four-stage, stepwise risk management framework that includes 1) defining the biosecurity strategy (or risk), 2) implementing biosecurity systems, 3) enhancing biosecurity measures and preparedness, and 4) establishing sustainable biosecurity. This activity will conduct an in-depth study on how to better plan for cost-efficient carp biosecurity establishment in Bangladesh.
Activity objectives:
- Assess issues that pose barriers to the establishment of efficient and effective biosecurity strategies and protocols along the value chains:
- Evaluate current policy and regulations regarding aquaculture biosecurity in Bangladesh and identify gaps;
- Map key stakeholders and assess biosecurity risk along carp value chains; and
- Identify cost-effective strategies and implementations to optimize biosecurity protocols.
- Develop a risk-based national carp aquaculture biosecurity management strategy:
- Identify perceptions of stakeholders along the value chains on biosecurity measures, implementation strategies, and associated economic factors; and
- Co-create a carp biosecurity management pathway plan for Bangladesh.
Planned outcomes:
- Identification of current policy and regulatory gaps, biosecurity risk along the value chains, and cost-effective biosecurity strategies and implementation.
- A Carp-Progressive Management Pathway for Aquaculture Biosecurity (PMP/AB) plan for Bangladesh.
The team’s long-term goal is to establish an efficient and cost-effective biosecurity and health management system for the aquaculture sector in Bangladesh. This activity supports the Fish Innovation Lab’s mission by addressing production losses stemming from inadequate husbandry practices and disease outbreaks using focused investigations into fish health dynamics and aquaculture biosecurity measures. By tackling these critical factors, the activity aims to enhance the productivity of carp aquaculture, bolstering consumption and facilitating the delivery of higher-quality nutritient-rich fish to consumers, which holds promise for fostering a more sustainable and resilient aquaculture industry for Bangladesh.
