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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207101
Title: Economic analysis and treatment of trematode infections in channel catfish production ponds

Author
item WISE, DAVID - MAFES
item HANSON, TERRILL - MSU, STARKSVILLE, MS
item MISCHKE, CHARLES - MAFES
item GREENWAY, TERRY - MAFES
item BYARS, TODD - MAFES
item Mitchell, Andrew
item YOST, MARLENE - MSU, STARKSVILLE, MS

Submitted to: International Aquatic Animal Health Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2006
Publication Date: 9/3/2006
Citation: Wise, D., Hanson, T., Mischke, C., Greenway, T., Byars, T., Mitchell, A.J., Yost, M. 2006. Economic analysis and treatment of trematode infections in channel catfish production ponds. International Aquatic Animal Health Symposium Proceedings. p. 286.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Bolbophorus spp. have been associated with high mortalities and productions loss in commercial catfish. To assess the economic impact, a study was conducted on a commercial catfish operation with trematode infections. Fish were sampled (n=40 ponds) and examined for metacercariae. Each pond was placed into a category based on the percentage of infected fish. The categories were: negative (no trematodes positive fish); light (0-33% infected); moderate (33-66% infected); or severe. Fish in the negative category consumed 73.4lbs/ac/day, and fish categorized as light, moderate and severe consumed 62.2, 47.5 and 47.2 lbs/ac/day, respectively. Compared to trematode negative ponds, ponds in the light, moderate and severe categories produced 16.8%, 36.4% and 44.5% less fish weight per acre, respectively. Net returns from ponds in the light category were reduced by 80.8%. Ponds in the moderate and severe category produced net losses of $506 and $631 respectively. This data showed trematode infections decreased production, even with light infections. Tests were conducted in commercial ponds to determine the efficacy of whole-pond copper applications (not pond-shoreline treatments) to eradicate snails. Results in ponds demonstrated that copper sulfate pentahydrate (2.5 and 5.0 mg/L CSP) was effective in killing snails around the margins of the pond and throughout the water column, but had a negative impact on fish health. These trials indicate whole-pond CSP applications can be used with caution as an effective treatment against snails.