An Investigation of Transboundary and Emerging Diseases in the Ornamental Fisheries Sector of Punjab, India

Abstract

The study, conducted from September, 2022 to April, 2023, investigated the prevalence of important aquatic pathogens among ornamental fish maintained and traded across selected districts of Punjab. The ornamental fish trade involves the frequent movement of live aquatic organisms across state and international borders, making it a potential pathway for the introduction and spread of exotic pests and diseases. This highlights the need for robust biosecurity measures within border control programs. To enable early and accurate pathogen detection, both DNA and RNA extraction techniques followed by molecular diagnostic assays were employed to strengthen biosecurity protocols and help safeguard the health of traded ornamental fish. A total of 106 ornamental fish samples were screened using these molecular tools, and all samples tested negative for major notifiable RNA and DNA pathogens. However, certain opportunistic infections were recorded, including bacterial infections caused by Aeromonas hydrophila and Citrobacter freundii, fungal infections such as mouth fungus and saprolegniasis, and parasitic infestations by Lernaea cyprinacea, occurring mainly during the winter and post-winter months and indicating seasonal susceptibility, likely linked to temperature-related stress. Overall, the findings indicate that Punjab remained free of major exotic pathogens during the study period, with ornamental fish brought in from other regions generally appearing healthy, displaying vibrant colouration, active behaviour, and high survival rates. Consequently, the ornamental fish trade in Punjab continued to grow, creating economic opportunities for breeders and traders while increasing public interest in fishkeeping across the state.