Etiology, Pathology and Management of Major Fish Diseases: A Comprehensive Review for Sustainable Aquaculture
Fish diseases caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic agents remain a primary
constraint to global aquaculture productivity. This review synthesizes current knowledge
on the etiological agents, pathological manifestations, epidemiological determinants, and
evidence-based management strategies for major infectious fish diseases. The 'disease
triangle' framework comprising host susceptibility, pathogen virulence, and environmental
perturbation is employed to analyze disease dynamics. Environmental stressors,
particularly temperature fluctuations, deteriorating water quality, and intensive stocking,
are identified as critical predisposing factors that compromise host immunity and facilitate
pathogen establishment. A systematic categorization of viral (VHS, IHN, SVC), bacterial
(Columnaris, MAS, Edwardsiellosis, Furunculosis, BKD, EUS), fungal (Saprolegniasis,
Branchiomycosis), and parasitic diseases (Myxosporidiosis, Dactylogyrosis, Argulosis) is
presented along with their clinical profiles and recommended chemotherapeutic and
prophylactic regimens. The review underscores the urgent need for integrated health
management protocols and advances in immunoprophylaxis and environmentally
sustainable biocontrol strategies.