Mapping the research landscape: A bibliometric analysis of Tilapia Lake Virus disease worldwide

Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) poses a significant threat to global tilapia populations, impacting food security and the aquaculture industry. This comprehensive bibliometric assessment scrutinizes TiLV disease research publications between 2012 and 2023 from 46 countries, sourced from the Scopus database. Utilising Scopus and VOSviewer for qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study evaluated 168 publications, accumulating 3718 citations at an average of 22.1 citations per article across 71 journals. Key contributions came from journals like Aquaculture and Journal of Fish Diseases, while prolific authors associated with Thai institutions spearheaded robust international collaborations. More than 70% of TiLV publications originated from ten countries, notably Thailand, India, the US, China, and Germany, indicating their significant interests in aquaculture. The study identifies pivotal trends, noteworthy contributors and institutions, research themes, geographical research distribution, and future research directions. The publication trajectory signals the heightened recognition of TiLV disease's importance in tilapia aquaculture. Profiling prolific authors and institutions provides insights into the evolving research landscape. Analysis of term co-occurrence delineates predominant research themes, traversing diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and control strategies in TiLV disease. Global dissemination of research contributions signifies a strong global network of scientists engaged in TiLV research. Nevertheless, discernible disparities in research output among regions underscore the necessity for capacity building and enhanced collaboration, particularly in developing nations. This assessment identifies critical future research directions, stressing the urgency for improved diagnostic tools, understanding pathogenesis, vaccine development, enhanced biosecurity measures, regional collaboration, sustainable aquaculture practices, public awareness and education, continuous monitoring and surveillance, research funding, and a multidisciplinary approach. Addressing these research paths could significantly advance efforts to combat TiLV disease and fortify the global tilapia aquaculture industry against this dangerous pervasive pathogen.