Health management in tropical aquaculture systems

Abstract

Health management strategies are very important in aquaculture. In Asia, health management practices are broadly similar for the various aquatic species that are cultured. These focus mainly on maintaining the good health of the organisms throughout the life cycle. Good health management is based on an understanding of the interactions between the environment (water), the host, and the pathogens. In an ideal system, the three factors are balanced to offset a disease process. This balance is difficult to maintain in an intensive culture system and significant mortalities usually result. The outbreak of disease is thus related to poor health management. This paper deals with the health management practices applicable to the hatchery and grow-out stages of shrimp and fishes cultured in the tropics.