Occurence of Anisakids nematodes on Frozen Hake (<i>Merluccius capensis</i>) in Yenagoa Market, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Samples of the frozen hake were obtained once a week as corresponding to supply in Yenagoa Market Bayelsa State ,Nigeria . From every supply of 10 cartons, 10 pieces of hake were examined for the presence of Anisakids nematodes .The incidence was concluded after sampling continuously every week for 8weeks between September-November 2009 . The highest parasite burden (13.2±2.28) was recorded in the second week and the lowest (8.5±2.9) in the 7^th week, the highest mean weight of fish sample calculated was 134.80±19.16 gm in the 4^th week and lowest in the 5^th week with 118.30 ±3.56gm.The mean length was highest (29.10 ±1.90) in the second week and lowest (26.40±1.88)in the 7^th week. The percentage infection (96.25%) was very alarming since only 3 pieces were not infected as observed from the samples..

Keywords: Nematodes, Anisakids, Merluccius capensis, Frozen fish, Infection