FACTORS AFFECTING OUTBREAKS OF EPIZOOTIC ULCERATIVE SYNDROME IN FARMED FISH IN BANGLADESH

Among 257 Bangladesh fish ponds investigated, 46% were affected by epi zootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) either fully or partially. Thai silve r barb, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker), culture ponds were worst affecte d (64%) by EUS, while all Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), mo noculture ponds remained unaffected. Stocking of silver barb for cultu re, use of piscicides as a means of removing predators or unwanted spe cies prior to stocking of cultured species, and culture of fish in pre viously derelict ponds are factors which significantly affected the pr obability of occurrence of EUS. Choice of species other than saver bar b and use of lime during the post-stocking period significantly affect ed the probability of pond stocks being less adversely affected by EUS .