Country report aquatic animal health in Malaysia

Abstract

The fisheries sector of Malaysia plays a significant role in economic development. It provides employment, foreign exchange and protein supply for the country. In 2017, aquaculture production in Malaysia was 427,022 tonnes, a 4.8 % increase compared to 2016. The increase was driven by population growth, rising demand for seafood and a levelling of production from capture fisheries. However, the rapid growth of aquaculture has been source of anthropogenic change on a massive scale. Aquatic animals cultured in high density are exposed to environment stress leading to diseases. Among major diseases occur in Malaysia are TILV and Streptococcosis in Tilapia, Vibriosis in grouper, and APHND and EHP in shrimp. Losses due to these diseases were reported as USD 0.1 billion for APHND in 2011, MYR 1 million due to Streptococcosis in 2002 and USD 7.4 million in Vibriosis outbreak in 1990. Currently the use of chemicals to overcome these diseases by farmers has led to increase concerns on food safety of food fish. Thus, Malaysia has implemented strict biosecurity measures in fisheries practices to secure not only fish health but also food safety for the consumers. This paper aimed to discuss the status of fish diseases and national diseases response and surveillance in Malaysia.