Diseases are among the major constraints to sustainable aquaculture. Fish pathogens include bacteria responsible for devastating effects on the fish health and even that of consumers. In Cameroon, there is a dearth of quantitative data related to fish diseases and the economic impact. An epidemiological survey was carried out from April 22 to May 23, 2021 during a first epizootic of the enteric red plague in the fishes Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio reared in ponds in the Monatélé Subdivision of the Centre Region of Cameroon. The objective was to assess clinical disorders and mortality rate, associated risk factors and economic losses in semi-intensive farms due to red plague in Cameroon. So, the standard epidemiological procedures were used to assess the mortality rates before and after antibiotic (Oxytetracyclin) treatment of the disease. Results showed that clinical signs recorded within three months of observing included lateral recumbency, breathing difficulties (dyspnea) and wide opening of mouths of affected fish. The overall mortality rate of 7.74% (294 dead fishes out of 3800) was recorded. The mortality rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in polyculture pond (11.33%) compared to monoculture pond (4.70%). Cyprinus carpio was significantly more affected than Oreochromis niloticus. The mortality rate was higher (p < 0.01) in younger fishes than older ones and was sex independent. The therapy was more effective in monoculture pond than in polyculture pond and in Oreochromis niloticus compared to Cyprinus carpio. Females were more sensitive to antibiotic treatment than males. The direct financial loss was $420.50. This study revealed that the main risk factors of the red plague disease were farming practice, species, age and size of fish. Rigorous epidemiological surveillance of fish diseases was suggested for improved productivity of fish farms in Cameroon. Vol. 9, No. 3, December 2022: 323-335

Biosecurity practice limits the occurrence of diseases and economic losses in fish farms. The objective of this study was to characterize fish farming in the Administrative Division of Wouri, Cameroon (3°97′04″–3°58′13″N; 9°76′78″–9°46′4.3″E) and assess the biosecurity practices. A cross-sectional biosecurity audit was then conducted in 33 fish farms from March to May 2022. The “snow ball” technique, on-farm observations, and face-to-face interviews of farm managers using a semistructured questionnaire were used for data collection. The results showed that most of the fish farmers were between 18 and 40 years of age (63.64%) and not trained in fish farming (60.61%). The lack of finance (57.57%) was the main constraint to the biosecurity practice. The high fish mortality rate (>15%) was recorded in 66% of the farms. Overall, the compliance rate (CR = 40.52 ± 14.70%) and adoption rate (AR = 40.40 ± 30.10%) of biosecurity measures were intermediate. No type C farm or at the minor risk level of contamination was recorded. Farmers of 18 to 40 years of age (45.24 ± 14.75%) who attended higher school (43.83 ± 14.44%) and received training in fish farming (47.44 ± 14.39%) recorded a significant higher CR. The CR and AR were significantly higher for the isolation component (CR = 60.17 ± 19.81%; AR = 60.17 ± 25.68%) followed by traffic control (CR = 53.53 ± 25.87%; AR = 53.53% ± 34.86) and sanitation (CR = 27.70 ± 19.70%; AR = 29.84 ± 26.00%). A strong (R2 = 0.725), positive, and significant ( p = 0.019 ) linear relationship was found between the level of education of fish farmers and the biosecurity compliance rate while the health status of fish was weakly (R2 = 0.207), positively, and significantly ( p = 0.017 ) influenced by the compliance rate. Fish farming is an income-generating activity that still requires socioeconomic, technical, and institutional efforts for optimal productivity. The Cameroonian government should emphasize on the education, training, and capacity building of farmers on biosecurity practices to minimise the introduction, establishment, and spread of diseases.

African Giant Pouched Rat (AGPR) is widely used both to conduct research projects and for meat consumption. In order to improve its breeding and enhance its availability and accessibility, effects of light exposure on hematological and oxidative stress parameters have been studied. Twenty adult males AGPR weighing 945 ± 171g were randomly allocated into four photoperiod regimes either: 0L/24D, 12L/12D, 18L/06D, 24L/0D. Housed singly during 56 days, animals received food and water ad libitum . At the end of the trial, blood and serum were collected for studied parameters analysis. Results revealed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase of the number of red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) in animals kept in the darkness condition compared to those reared under extended photoperiods. Except for malondialdehyde (MDA) level which was not affected by photoperiod, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) for any light exposure up to 12 hours per day. In conclusion, photoperiod affects the most hematological characteristics measured and has stressful effects in AGPR. This new knowledge provides a relevant information for the rearing environment of African Giant Pouched Rat.