An Overview on Common Parasitic Infections Affecting the Health and Sustainability of Fish Farming with Special Reference to Tilapia Culture

Abstract Fish is one of the primary animal protein sources for humans. Globally, aquaculture continues to develop with ample evidence to meet the growing demand for food. However, pressure on aquaculture to reach inclusive sustainability is faced with multiple challenges. Fish may be infected with a range of parasitic diseases that are caused by protozoans, trematodes, nematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, and parasitic crustaceans. These infections can result in significant economic losses for the aquaculture and fisheries sectors. Fish infected with parasitic pathogens have slower growth rates; lower productivity, poor reproduction, higher rates of mass mortality, and may become unfit for the preferences of human consumers. Fish parasitism may also have negative socioeconomic and health effects on people due to unhygienic feeding habits such as eating raw or improperly cooked seafood. To mitigate these negative impacts on fish and public health, health restrictions must be addressed using modern methods that are both locally relevant and scientifically supported. It is also important to prioritize the development of fish culture techniques, efficient pond management strategies, and other relevant measures to reduce the potential risks associated with parasite infestations.