Tilapia Parvovirus:
India has witnessed its first encounter with Tilapia Parvovirus (TiPV), in Tamil Nadu causing a significant impact on the country’s aquaculture.
- This virus has been reported in farm-bred tilapia, a freshwater fish species, and has raised concerns due to its high mortality rates.
- TiPV is a viral pathogen that primarily affects tilapia.
- It belongs to the Parvoviridae family, known for its small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA viruses.
- First reported in China in 2019 and Thailand in 2021. India is the third country to report the occurrence of TiPV.
- TiPV has caused mortality rates ranging from 30% to 50% on fish farms.
- In laboratory settings, it has led to 100% mortality, highlighting its devastating impact.
- TiPV outbreak can also pose a threat to the biodiversity and ecology of freshwater bodies as tilapia is an invasive species that can compete with native fish for food and space.
- TiPV outbreak can also affect the food security and nutrition of the people who depend on tilapia as a source of protein and income.
