Prevalence of Ecto-Parasitic Fauna in Silver Catfish (Bagrusbajad) from Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State

Abstract

Fish parasitic infections inflict a most importanteconomic concern on fish farming industries. Helminthic infestations can cause a variety of fitness difficulties as well as economic sufferings for fishing populations. Prevalence of ecto-parasites fauna in silver catfish Bagrusbayad from Zobe reservoir, Katsina Nigeriawas inspected to comprehend the healthiness conditionof the fish, possibledanger to their existence as well asprotection of consumption of fish from the water body.The current study was undertaken between August and October, 2023 to determine the prevalence of fish ecto-parasites of Bagrusbajad and the associated risk factors in Zobereservoir Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total number of108 fish samples were collected and examined from Zobe reservoir. The fish was identified as well as separated based on their sex before being transferred live to the Fish Biology laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State for additional evaluation. Out of 108 fish samples from Zobe, 88 were male and 20 were female. Fish parasites recovered and their prevalence among Bagrusbajad obtained from Zobe reservoir includes; Tricodinaspp 17 (68%), and Gyrodactylusspp 8 (32%). The prevalence of parasites recovered from the fish species in this study was low. In conclusion, Bagrusbajad from Zobe reservoir were infected by parasites that are of economic importance. The findings suggest that the observed parasitic infections may adversely affect Bagrusbajad and if not well managed, could also infect human beings who consume the fish. It is therefore recommended that communities along the reservoir should desist from activities likely to increase parasite load, also, the part organs of harvested fishes from the study area should be discarded rather than consume to prevent zoonotic diseases.