Anisakid parasite in Scad Fish (Decapterus spp.) from Selected Fishing Grounds of Caraga Region, Philippines

Abstract

This study reported the presence of an anisakid parasite Anisakis sp. in commercial fish (Decapterus spp.) collected in selected fishing grounds of Caraga Region, Philippines. The collection of the fish was done in a purposive sampling last June- July 2019 in selected fishing ports in three (3) provinces: Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Placer, Surigao del Norte, Barobo, Cagwait, and Hinatuan of Surigao del Sur. There were 111 collected fish samples and 40 (36%) were infected with the anisakid parasite. Fish samples comprise three (3) species: Decapterus macrosoma, Decapterus maruadsi, and Decapterus tabl. The infection of anisakid parasite among various sampling sites was significant (p <0.05) with Buenavista as highest (60.9%), followed by Placer (42.9%), Barobo (29.2%), Hinatuan (25%), and lastly, Cagwait (21.7%). The infestation was higher in D. maruadsi (39%), followed by D. macrosoma (36.4%), while D. tabl recorded lowest (29.2%) however, the difference was not significant (p >0.05). Moreover, prevalence between ages was observed highest in the adult samples (49.3%) compared to the juvenile samples (14.3%) which is significant at p<0.05. The infection confirms that Decapterus spp. in the selected fishing ground in Caraga Region, are carriers of an anisakid parasite. Results of the study provide baseline information on anisakid parasite in Decapterus spp. in these areas and its implication in public health and fisheries.