Aquatic Animal Health Management Issues In Rural Aquaculture Development In Lao PDR
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This paper describes the role of small-scale aquaculture in subsistence farming systems in rural Lao PDR. Small-scale aquaculture is a popular component of subsistence farming systems in Lao PDR, however rice cultivation is the principle activity during them on soon season and collection of aquatic products from rice fields is common. Results from a consumption and production survey of rural Lao subsistence farmers, many of whom were engaged in fish culture (84 %), are presented. Consumption of fish and aquatic products was estimated between 13 - 48 kg.capita-1.yr-1, representing between22% - 55% of animal product consumption. Livestock and fish production are the principle forms of income generation and the average value of fish production was $81per household; overall family income ranged between $372 - $594.household-1.yr-1.Minimising risk is a principal strategy in subsistence farming and this is reflected in the low input and low productivity of Lao rural aquaculture. Average pond size ranges between 550 - 1,520 m2, with water depth of about 50 cm. Productivity is low (417 - 708kg.ha-1.yr-1) due to low stocking densities (1 - 4 fish.m-2) and limited feeding. Low input aquaculture systems are not disease prone, but may become so during the dry season, or when increased inputs are applied. Livestock production is perceived as high risk due to disease, whereas the lack of significant losses in aquaculture is seen as a positive feature. Shortage of fingerlings for stocking a quaculture ponds and rice fields encourages importation from neighbouring countries. These imported fingerlings are often poor quality and survival appears to below. There is also a potential risk of introduction of diseases present in the countries of origin. Production of fingerlings within Lao PDR is limited to provincial hatcheries and a few private entrepreneurs. This activity is increasing and is susceptible to health management related problems. Health management issues limit production in Lao PDR and thereby constrain development, but are not causing direct economic loss. This may not be the case with respect to impacts on wild fisheries and fish movements. The lack of baseline information on aquatic animal health issues available for Lao PDR limits the ability to assess risk in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors.