Mozambique fishery authorities have said that they are on high alert for the possible appearance of Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS), also known as the red spot disease, in its local waters.
This after a recent outbreak was announced in neighbouring Malawi’s Mchinji district.
According to a report in the Club of Mozambique, fisheries in the country are expected to report suspicious cases of the disease.
“EUS is caused by the fungus Aphanomyces invadans, and the mortality rate in aquaculture can be 100%,” the report read.
Director of the Research and Aquaculture Center, Rafael Rafael, said that although the disease was not deadly to humans, the infected fish should not be consumed because the disease could transmit other kinds of bacteria to humans.
“According to the Southern African Development Community, the situation also poses a serious threat to regional fisheries and aquaculture in inland waters, especially in the Zambezi River Basin.”
