Unravelling an Alternate Low Cost Eco-Friendly Approach for Treating Freshwater Fish Lice in Labeo rohita</i> (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

The infestation of freshwater fish lice belonging to the genus Argulus occur repeatedly in freshwater fish farms due to poor management practices. Preventative methods and regular monitoring often fails to control the outbreak, and in tum chemical interventions become necessary. In the present study, the outbreak of freshwater fish lice Argulus in Rohu (Labeo rohita) has been reported at a farm in Kalyani, West Bengal. A framework was developed for sustainable eco-friendly and cost effective treatment of Argulus using salt at 10 g/L for 3 minute, followed by formalin at 40 μ/L for 3 minute, potassium permanganate at 0.5 g/L for 3 minute and turmeric at 5 g/L for 3 minute, respectively in-vivo. Mean intensity, abundance and prevalence of the Argulus sp. was assessed as the most suitable descriptors to determine the impact of the treatment. The parasite was grouped abundant (85%) in Labeo rohita prior to the treatment, whereas, post-treatment, the parasites became rare (5%) in the same fish. Significant reduction in the mean intensity and abundance of Argulus sp. was also recorded post-treatment, which implied the efficiency of the treatment process in eradicating Argulus. Combined with the multiple bath treatment, mechanical control through vigorous shaking of the affected fish was also found effective and hence may be recommended to the farmers as the suitable control strategy of the freshwater fish lice subjected to further validation in different field condition.