Moroccan Journal of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2024): (June 2024)
Fishing and Fisheries

Biosecurity profile of fish farms in the bimodal-rainfall zone forest of Cameroon

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  • Georges FONKWA,
  • Amidou KPOUMIE NSANGOU,
  • Judith Georgette MAKOMBU,
  • Ulrich William MEKOUADJA,
  • Franck Junior KAMETIEU DJAMOU,
  • Joseph TCHOUMBOUE
Georges FONKWA Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon
Amidou KPOUMIE NSANGOU Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon
Judith Georgette MAKOMBU Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Cameroon
Ulrich William MEKOUADJA Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon
Franck Junior KAMETIEU DJAMOU Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Cameroon
Joseph TCHOUMBOUE Applied Hydrobiology and Ichthyology Research Unit, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon

Published 2024-06-15

Keywords

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Abstract

Pathologies are among the major factors causing significant production losses in fish farms, hence the need to comply with biosecurity measures. This work was carried out to assess the biosecurity practices in relation to socio-demographic and technico-economic determinants in fish farms of the Centre Region of Cameroon in order to contribute to the improvement of their productivity. A total of 50 farms were selected and audited between March to April 2022 using the “snowball” sampling method, face-to-face interviews of fish farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire and direct observation. Overall, the results showed a compliance rate (CR) and an adoption rate (AR) of 41.0 %. None of the farms recorded a CR > 75%.  Fish farmers’ age, education level, fish farming training, cost and constraints related to biosecurity practices significantly influenced compliance rates. Traffic management component (68.7%) was significantly the most observed followed by isolation (48.6%) and sanitation (31.3%). The multivariate linear regression was strong, positive and significant between the compliance rate, the rearing purpose and the training place. However, it was weak, negative and significant between the compliance rate and the health status of the fish. Stakeholders in the aquaculture sector need to be more involved in biosecurity in order to optimize farm productivity. This study is a prerequisite for the health certification process of aquaculture industry as well as for the quality assurance of its products.

Keywords: Biosecurity, audit, fish farms, pathologies, productivity

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References