Economic impact of Edwardsiellosis on the U.S. catfish industry

Abstract

Edwardsiellosis of catfish caused by Edwardsiella ictaluri and Edwardsiella piscicida remains one of the most significant diseases in U.S. catfish aquaculture. Economic losses related to this disease are currently unknown. This work sheds light on the losses associated with E. ictaluri and E. piscicida in catfish aquaculture. The robust economic approach employed is grounded in farm-level production data and long-term disease trends in the industry. Direct farm-level economic losses from Edwardsiellosis ranged from −$3,485 to −$13,320/ha causing industrywide economic losses of −$5.2 to −$17.6 million/year. The lost revenue due to Edwardsiellosis ranged from −$8.4 to −$24.8 million/year causing a negative economic impact of −$15.5 to −$45.9 million/year. The economic losses and negative impacts of Edwardsiellosis are relatively greater on the foodfish sector compared to the fingerling sector. This work provides a platform for a more accurate estimation of the true economic impacts of diseases for aquaculture sectors for which commercial farm data is available.