Fish farmers across Ghana are being urged to strengthen their defenses against diseases that are shrinking their harvests. This push for better hygiene and vaccination comes after a recent training workshop. The goal is to make fish farming more profitable and stable. Major diseases like Streptococcus infections and ISKNV are causing big problems. These sicknesses hit tilapia, a popular farmed fish. Losses can happen at any stage. However, farmers lose the most money when larger fish die. These fish have already consumed a lot of expensive feed.
The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana partnered with animal health company Virbac for the training. The Blue Food Innovation Hub also helped organize the event. Virbac sponsored the workshop, which took place on April 24, 2026. Over 100 farmers and industry experts attended. They learned about preventing the spread of sickness. Sandy Chatham, an aquaculture expert from Virbac, spoke at the event. He stressed that simple, strict hygiene is the best defense. He advised removing dead fish immediately. Managing sick fish carefully is also important. He suggested stopping fish feed for at least three days during outbreaks. This can reduce stress and slow down disease transmission.
Vaccination is also being promoted as a modern way to fight disease. Experts say it is a sustainable method. Fish can be vaccinated with controlled doses. Early results show vaccinated fish have survival rates above 85 percent. They also grow better. This is especially important as bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Some Streptococcus strains in Lake Volta are already hard to treat. The Water Resources Commission (WRC) also reminded farmers about environmental rules. Eric Muala from the WRC spoke about needed water use permits. Farmers must choose sites carefully. They must follow environmental standards. Cage farms need a one-kilometer space between them. They must also respect buffer zones near rivers to prevent pollution.
Disease-related losses are a major hurdle for Ghana's fish farming business. This is especially true for tilapia production. High costs and frequent losses hurt profits. The Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana stated the training is part of its mission. They want to give farmers practical skills. This will boost productivity and disease control. Virbac is committed to supporting science-based solutions. The company wants to help farmers adopt vaccination. This will improve the sector's long-term health. The training aims to build a more resilient aquaculture industry. This will help Ghana's food security and economy.