Rwanda: Reducing Disease Risks in Aquaculture to Promotes Responsible Movement of Live Fish

Aquaculture is rapidly emerging as one of Rwanda’s most promising food production sectors. With growing investments in fish farming and increasing local demand for affordable protein from fish consumption, the country’s inland fisheries and aquaculture systems are expanding at an unprecedented pace. However, along with this growth comes an invisible threat—the spread of fish diseases due to irresponsible movement of live fish.

The responsible movement of live fish is not merely a technical recommendation—it is a national necessity. Disease outbreaks can devastate fish stocks, disrupt livelihoods, and undermine Rwanda’s aquaculture goals. This article explores the best practices, policies, and innovations Rwanda can adopt to minimize disease risks through safe fish movement.

        Responsible live fish transport in Rwanda aquaculture

1.Understanding the Risk: How Live Fish Movement Spreads Diseases

Live fish transport involves moving fish from hatcheries to grow-out farms, from farms to markets, or across borders for breeding and trade. While it supports production efficiency, it can also be a major pathway for disease transmission.

Pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites—can easily spread through water, equipment, or fish themselves. Diseases like Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and Streptococcosis have caused severe losses in other countries. If biosecurity measures are not followed, such pathogens could easily reach Rwanda’s lakes and ponds.

For example, a farmer purchasing fingerlings from an untested source might unknowingly introduce pathogens into an entire region’s aquaculture system. Once a disease spreads in a shared water body, controlling it becomes costly and often impossible.

Check on   FAO – Aquatic Animal Health Management

2. Rwanda’s Growing Aquaculture Landscape

Rwanda’s aquaculture has evolved remarkably over the past decade. According to the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), fish production increased from 17,000 tons in 2017 to over 43,000 tons in 2023. This growth is powered by initiatives promoting cage culture in lakes such as Kivu, Muhazi, and Burera, and pond farming in districts like Musanze and Nyagatare.

However, as production intensifies and more farms are connected by water systems, the risk of fish disease transmission grows. This is why the government and partners such as FarmXpert Group emphasize responsible fish movement and biosecurity training for farmers.

Fish farmers inspecting healthy Tilapia fingerlings”

3. The Key Principles of Responsible Fish Movement

Responsible movement of live fish revolves around three major principles:

A. Health Certification

Before any fish are transported, they should be certified disease-free by an accredited veterinary or aquaculture health authority. Certificates confirm that fish originate from biosecure facilities and have undergone health inspection.

B. Quarantine and Observation

Imported or newly sourced fish should be quarantined for 2–4 weeks before being mixed with existing stocks. During this period, farmers observe for abnormal behavior or disease symptoms.

C. Biosecure Transport Systems

Transporting fish in clean, disinfected containers with treated water minimizes contamination. Transport vehicles should not be reused without proper cleaning between trips.

These measures are simple yet powerful steps that prevent large-scale disease outbreaks.

Check on World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): Aquatic Animal Health Code.

4. Common Diseases Linked to Poor Fish Movement Practices

When live fish are moved without precaution, several diseases can emerge or spread rapidly. Common threats include:

1.Bacterial infections such as Aeromonas hydrophila causing ulcers and fin rot.

2.Parasitic diseases like Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (“white spot disease”) that spread through contaminated water.

3.Viral infections including Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), which can destroy entire hatcheries.

4.Fungal infections that occur when fish are stressed or poorly handled during transport.

5. A single outbreak can lead to over 80% mortality in some fish species, leading to huge financial losses.

5. Rwanda’s Biosecurity Framework in Aquaculture

Rwanda has taken proactive steps to safeguard its aquaculture sector. The National Aquaculture Strategy (2022–2030) prioritizes fish health management as a pillar for sustainable growth.

Key government initiatives include:

a. Health monitoring programs in hatcheries and farms.

b. Guidelines for live fish transport established by RAB.

c. Training sessions for extension workers and fish farmers on disease recognition and control.

d. Partnerships with international agencies like FAO and WOAH for laboratory capacity building.

These frameworks align with global standards and promote regional cooperation under the East African Community (EAC) Aquaculture Biosecurity Guidelines.

        Officers conducting fish health screening in a hatchery

6. Farm-Level Practices to Reduce Disease Risks

Farmers play the biggest role in ensuring responsible fish movement. Below are practical on-farm actions:

1. Source Fingerlings Responsibly

Always buy fingerlings from certified hatcheries that provide health guarantees. Avoid informal fish sources, even if they seem cheaper.

2. Maintain Clean Transport Equipment

Before moving fish, clean tanks, nets, and water containers using disinfectants such as potassium permanganate or chlorine. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

3. Manage Water Quality During Transport

Use aerated, temperature-controlled water to reduce stress. Fish stress weakens immune systems and increases susceptibility to diseases.

4. Quarantine New Stock

Isolate all new fish before introducing them into your main pond. Observe for 14–28 days.

5. Keep Movement Records

Maintain written records showing the origin, date, and destination of every batch of fish moved. This helps trace disease sources if an outbreak occurs.

 Read also: Rwanda: How to Calculate a Budget in Fish Farming Project

7. The Role of Hatcheries and Transporters

Hatcheries and transporters are at the heart of live fish movement. To minimize disease risks, they should:

A. Use dedicated equipment for specific clients or regions.

B. Implement routine disinfection schedules.

C. Employ trained personnel for handling live fish.

D. Use closed transport systems with oxygen tanks to maintain fish welfare.

By improving professional standards in hatcheries and fish logistics, Rwanda can build a reputation for high-quality, disease-free aquaculture products.

8. The Economic Impact of Fish Diseases

The cost of fish disease outbreaks can be devastating. Losses include:

A. Direct mortality: loss of fish stock.

B. Reduced growth rates: slower harvest cycles.

C. Market restrictions: due to biosecurity concerns.

D. Increased treatment costs: for antibiotics or replacements.

According to FAO estimates, global aquaculture disease losses exceed USD 6 billion annually. For Rwanda’s small-scale farmers, one outbreak could wipe out a year’s income.

Thus, investing in responsible fish movement is not just about protecting fish—it’s about protecting livelihoods.

9. FarmXpert Group’s Contribution to Safe Fish Movement

At FarmXpert Group, we will actively promote responsible aquaculture practices across Rwanda and East Africa. Through our educational content, training programs, and technology-driven solutions, we will help farmers adopt biosecure fish transport and management systems.

Our projects emphasize:

i. Biosecurity planning for small-scale and commercial farms.

ii. Disease surveillance using smart farm monitoring tools.

iii. Collaboration with RAB, FAO, and local cooperatives.

iv. Community awareness campaigns on sustainable aquaculture.

We believe that the future of aquaculture in Rwanda depends on the health of our fish—and that begins with responsible movement and management.

10. The Way Forward: Innovation and Regional Cooperation

To strengthen Rwanda’s aquaculture resilience, the following innovations are crucial:

1. Digital Fish Traceability: Tracking fish movements via QR codes or blockchain to improve traceability.

2. Mobile Fish Health Apps: Farmers can report disease signs early.

3. Regional Data Sharing: EAC countries can share disease surveillance data.

4. Eco-friendly Transport Systems: Solar-aerated tanks for sustainable operations.

These innovations align with the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health.

Check on FAO One Health Framework

Conclusion: Building a Healthier Aquaculture Future for Rwanda

The responsible movement of live fish is more than a technical process—it is a commitment to sustainability, public health, and national food security. By adopting rigorous biosecurity, Rwanda can safeguard its growing aquaculture industry and protect rural livelihoods.

Every fish farmer, transporter, and policymaker has a role to play. Let’s join hands to make Rwanda a model of responsible aquaculture in Africa.

If you found this article helpful, share it with fellow fish farmers, leave your thoughts in the comments, or explore more insights on sustainable aquaculture at FarmXpert Group.

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References

1.FAO. (2024). Aquatic Animal Health Management. https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/health

2.World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). (2024). Aquatic Animal Health Code. https://www.woah.org

3.Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). (2023). National Aquaculture Strategy.

4.FarmXpert Group. (2025). Rwanda Sustainable Fish Farming Insights. https://www.farmxpertgroup.com