Diseases and parasites of penaeid prawns of India: a short review

The diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa and metazoa as well as by other biotic and abiotic agents reported in the penaeid prawns of India are reviewed.

Studies on the fungal diseases in crustaceans. I. Lagenidum scyllae sp. nov. isolated from cultivated ova and larvae of the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata)

Lagenidium scyllae , a marine mastigomycete from the ova and larvae of the mangrove crab, is described and illustrated as new. The fungus grew at a temperature range of 16-42 C, with an optimum at 22.5-31.8 C. It grew well in peptone-yeast-glucose (PYG) broth containing 2-3% NaCl. In PYG-sea water medium, it grew at a pH range of 5-11.

Containing the diseases in aquaculture

A brief discussion is presented on epizootics and their containment in the aquaculture industry, in the form of a question-and-answer interview. Particular reference is made to activities carried out by the OIE (Office International des Epizooties), whose main activities include the provision of guidelines and standards for health protection applicable to international trade in live animals and their products. It has devised an early warning system to apprise its member countries of the occurence of disease outbreaks that would have serious repercussions on public health or the economics of animal products. URI

Parasitic fish diseases and their impact on potential fish production in East Africa

Protein deficient diets are a standard way of life in many parts of East Africa;this of course tends to result in shorter life expectancy and chronic ill-health. Population increase is sufficiently high to outdistance the economic gains that may be made in various fields. With recurrent shortages of basic commodities not only in East Africa, but in many parts of the world, it is becoming increasingly clear that agricultural production practices must be maximised rapidly in order to meet the world's constantly expanding need for food. Here in East Africa, while our food requirements can be met most of the time, our protein requirements are far from being met. Yields from traditional fishery resources, must therefore be increased. The farming of fish (aquaculture)adds a new dimension to food production in general and high quality protein production in particular, in that it can be incorporated into other agricultural production activities.