The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that there is a suspected outbreak of fish disease known as Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS).

The disease was clinically observes in fish ponds at Mtomondo village, Mitundu Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Lilongwe district.

The disease was also reported in the same area last year and is mostly affecting Clarius gariepinus species commonly known as Mlamba.

Speaking to YFM online, Deputy Director of Animal Health and Field Services, Dr. Gilson Nyunga, advised fish farmers to always be on alert and report any suspected features on their fish.

Dr. Nyunga said: “The disease is very dangerous because when affected the fish develop huge wounds and worse and worse still they die in large numbers.”

He further said the ministry has with immediate effect instituted measures around the affected areas that include Transportation and selling of fish and suspension of fishing from the infected rivers and dams.

The ministry has also advised farmers to drain all the infected ponds and let them dry with the sunlight or add lime to kill the fungi that causes the disease.

On the part of human health, Dr. Nyunga said although the disease has no direct risk on humans but its bacteria might cause diarrhea if consumed.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, EUS is highly contagious fungal disease that mostly affects fresh water fish and has very devastating socio-economic consequences which include disruption of natural aquatic species diversity.