- India has witnessed its first encounter with Tilapia Parvovirus (TiPV), in Tamil Nadu
causing a significant impact on the country’s aquaculture. - This virus has been reported in farm-bred tilapia, a freshwater fish species, and has
raised concerns due to its high mortality rates. - TiPV is a viral pathogen that primarily affects tilapia.
- It belongs to the Parvoviridae family, known for its small, non-enveloped, singlestranded DNA viruses.
- First reported in China in 2019 and Thailand in 2021. India is the third country to report
the occurrence of TiPV. - TiPV has caused mortality rates ranging from 30% to 50% on fish farms.
- In laboratory settings, it has led to 100% mortality, highlighting its devastating impact.
- TiPV outbreak can also pose a threat to the biodiversity and ecology of freshwater
bodies as tilapia is an invasive species that can compete with native fish for food and
space. - TiPV outbreak can also affect the food security and nutrition of the people who depend
on tilapia as a source of protein and income.
