Knowledge and practices of biosecurity in aquaculture in Loumbila commune: farmers’ perceptions and health management implications, Burkina Faso

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Résumé

Background
Fish farming was introduced in Burkina Faso in the 1950s to offset
declining capture fisheries and enhance food security. In Loumbila
commune, aquaculture has recently expanded, but its growth is
constrained by aquatic diseases. Biosecurity, essential for preventing
pathogen introduction and spread, remains poorly implemented by
local farmers, raising concerns for sustainability.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 23 purposively
selected operators. Data were collected through questionnaires and
direct observations, using KoBo Toolbox, and analyzed descriptively
with Excel and SPSS version 25.
Results
The majority of respondents were women (52%), adults (78%),
predominantly married (78%), and relatively inexperienced (65% with
less than two years of practice). Although 78% had heard of
biosecurity, only 11% could define it accurately, and 65% had never
received training. Reported practices included cleaning and disinfecting equipment and incinerating dead fish. However, critical
gaps were observed, such as the absence of footbaths, limited water
quality monitoring, and frequent sharing of equipment.
Conclusions
Biosecurity practices among aquaculture operators in Loumbila
commune are insufficient to ensure fish health and sustainability.
Addressing these deficiencies through training, policy support, and
improved practices is essential to strengthen aquaculture’s
contribution to food security and sustainable development in Burkina
Faso and West Africa.

Mots-clés

Aquatic diseases prevention, Aquaculture development, Biosecurity practices, Burkina Faso aquaculture