Fish losses due to bacterial flora and infections of fishes in Kainji Lake Area, Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

This paper assesses the losses incurred as a result of bacterial flora and infection in captured and cultured fish. The role played by these bacterial flora on the overall quality and health of fish is discussed. Bacteria have been reported to cause diseases in ponds and increase in the spoilage rate of raw and preserved fish in fishing industry. Economically, spoilage in either capture or culture fisheries do result into reduction in the market price of fish leading to an economic loss in the fish industry venture. Proper recommendations were made to alleviate this and promote economically sustainable fisheries in Nigeria as government thinks of privatising her farms.

KEY WORDS: Bacterial flora, fish quality, spoilage, and economic loss

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.24(2) 2003: 41-47