By Jones Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Fisheries has confirmed a single case of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS), a highly infectious fish disease, at a fish farm in Zomba, Malawi.
According to Principal Fisheries Officer Hassib Sainan, the case was reported since the start of the winter season in April this year.
EUS is characterized by severe cutaneous ulcerative lesions, typically leading to granulomatous response and high mortality rates in affected fish populations.
The disease has been reported in over 24 countries across Asia, North America, and Southern Africa, causing significant economic losses.
The Department of Fisheries has developed measures to counter any possible escalation of the disease in hotspot water bodies.
However, Professor Jeremiah Kang’ombe, a fisheries expert at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), has called for increased surveillance in the country’s water bodies where fishing activities occur.
The situation is being closely monitored, and stakeholders are urged to report any suspected cases of EUS to the Department of Fisheries.
