GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FISHERIES DISTRICT ANANTNAG
ADVISORY
Advisory for improving the welfare of Farmed Rainbow Troot:
Many production-related or husbandry disease have emerged concurrently with the intensification of aquaculture husbandry practices in trout. These include various types of skeletal deformities, cataracts and soft tissue malformations. In the wild, fish can avoid habitats and other fish with high parasite densities, however fish confined in raceways/ tanks are unable to do so. In a few days back in Doodthpathri Budgam an occurrence of mass mortality occurred at a Private Fish Rearing Unit where involvement of some cogent reason was responsible involving either system failure or management failure. Management failures or system errors in such systems can induce sudden/latent spikes in disease or mass morality on partial or mass scale of fish.
In order to address such problems at the fish farms, the following advisory needs to be taken in to account so that we may be in a better position to avoid such unpleasant occurrences. Uses of antibiotics to treat infections and other pathogens in Rainbow Trout are used as preventive or suppressive measures. For different diseases effecting Rainbow Trout, the therapeutic agents/ protective immune stimulants can be delivered in the feed for better implications of fish welfare.
With the onset of winter season, both growth and health of fish could get affected due to mismanagement. However due to overcrowding of fish, and low water input rates some bacterial infections are usually witnessed which if not treated can lead to undesirable losses in fish. Diseases like tail rot, fin rot, cardal fin erosions, peduncle rot, furuncles etc are observed at some farming units which could be measured and treated by use of Copper Sulphate dips (for 1-2 minutes, in the ratio of 1:2000 solutions) for external stages for three consecutive days or by feeding teramycin (TM-50) at the rate of 36gms per 100 pounds (45.359Kgs.) of fish for ten consecutive days or sulphamerzine 8gms/100 pounds of fish.
The summative precautionary Measures to Remember and Adopt:
1.Monitoring and Managing Water Quality
1. Maintain Optimal Temperature.
Monitor water temperature regularly using thermometers. Fish, especially Trout, thrive I temperatures between 8°C and 15°C.
Avoid sudden water exchange with extremely cold water.
2. Prevent Ice Formation:
Break surface ice regularly to ensure oxygen exchange.
Use aerators or mechanical devices to keep water circulating and prevent complete freezing of ponds.
3. Check Dissolved Oxygen Levels:
Oxygen levels often drop in winter due to reduced photosynthesis. Maintain levels above 5mg/L by using aerators or fresh water inflow.
4. Reduce Ammonia Accumulation:
Avoid overfeeding and ensure cleaning of pond bottoms to prevent buildup of organic waste.
ding Practices
1. Reduce Feeding Frequency:
Fish Metabolism slows down in colder temperatures, so reduce feeding to 1-2 times a day with high-quality, easy digestible feed.
Remove uneaten feed promptly to avoid water contamination.
2.Opt for Winter-Specific Diets
Use feed with higher energy content and essential vitamins to enhance fish immunity.
3. Disease Prevention and Health Management
1. Regular Health Checks
Observe fish for signs of stress or disease, such as erratic swimming, discoloration, or lesions.
Consult Fisheries Department officials if abnormalities are noticed.
2. Apply Disinfectants and Prophylacties:
Treat ponds with lime (100-200 kg/ha) or potassium permanganate (2-4 mg/L) to maintain hygiene.
Use recommended probiotics to maintain gut health and prevent diseases.
3. Prevent Disease Outbreaks:
Quarantine new fish stock before introduction.
Disinfect equipment and avoid sharing it between ponds.
4. Biosecurity Measures:
1. Restrict Access:
Limit entry of unauthorized personnel into the farm to prevent disease introduction.
Use foot dips and hand sanitizers for farm workers.
2. Avoid Water Contamination:
Ensure that incoming water is free of pollutants and pathogens.
Avoid using water sources prone to freezing or contamination.
5. Immediate Reporting:
If you observe unexplained mortality or unusual behavior in your fish stocks, report immediately to the concerned Fisheries Circle In-charges, or the nearest Fisheries Office. Provide details of.
Number and type of mortalities.
Symptoms observed.
Recent environmental changes.
6. Assistance and Contact Information:
The Fisheries Department is committed to supporting fish farmers during the winter season. For technical assistance, please contact on 9906512188.
District Fisheries Office, Anantnag.
Your proactive approach and adherence to these guidelines can help mitigate winter losses and ensure a healthy and productive farming season.
Issued by:
Department of Fisheries, District Anantnag.
