The occurrence of Tilapia Parvovirus (TiPV) has been reported for the first time in India, affecting farm-bred tilapia, a popular freshwater fish species. The outbreak, causing significant mortality rates, was identified in ponds located in Walajah in Ranipet district.
Dr. Sahul Hameed, Director of the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) at C. Abdul Hakeem College (CAHC) in Melvisharam, revealed that fish samples collected from ten ponds in the affected farm showed TiPV-positive results by PCR. The DNA virus led to mortality ranging from 30 to 50% in the farm and 100% mortality in laboratory settings.
Mozambique tilapia, colloquially known as “Jilabi” in Tamil, was introduced to Indian freshwater bodies in the 1950s and is considered a “poor-man’s fish.” Known for its ability to survive in low-oxygen water conditions, this fish has become invasive across the country. Nile tilapia, introduced in the 1970s, is larger and extensively cultured, available in the market for ₹100 to ₹150 per kg.
Dr. Sahul Hameed highlighted that among tilapia species, the Indian government had authorized the import of Oreochromis niloticus and red hybrids in 1970 due to their fast growth and market demand.
Tilapia farming is carried out in various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, with the fish sold in domestic markets as whole fish. In 2022, tilapia production in India was estimated at about 70,000 tonnes, with 30,000 tonnes coming from aquaculture.
The AAHL at C. Abdul Hakeem College has been regularly screening tilapia for viral pathogens under an R&D program funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, aiming to develop vaccines against such pathogens.
Dr. Sahul Hameed, leading the research team, stated that during screening in February and March 2023, the team reported the occurrence of Tilapia Parvovirus. TiPV was first reported in China in 2019 and Thailand in 2021, making India the third country to report its occurrence.
The research findings have been validated by ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Cochin. The findings are now under consideration for publication in the Archives of Virology (Springer Nature Switzerland AG).
Dr. Sahul Hameed emphasized the need for research to develop a vaccine against TiPV to assist fish farmers in preventing losses. Urgent actions are also recommended to prevent the spread of TiPV to other regions of India.
Source: The Hindu
