Estimation of loss due to argulosis in carp culture ponds in India

Abstract

Argulosis caused by crustacean ectoparasites of the genus Argulus is one of the parasitic diseases that pose a major threat to freshwater aquaculture industry around the globe. The actual loss incurred due to this disease has gone mostly unnoticed. In the present study, economic burden imposed by Argulus sp. in carp culture ponds in India was estimated based on the data obtained from the survey conducted in major aquaculture zones in the country. The loss was estimated by taking into account the mortality occurred, loss in growth by reduction in weight and expenditure towards drugs/chemicals applied for treatment or prevention of this disease. The total loss due to argulosis has been estimated to the magnitude of ` 29524.40 (US$ 615) ha-1 year-1. Hence, management of this disease should be given top priority to save the aquaculture industry from this huge loss.