Studies on the public health importance of infestation of Ostracoda Vargula tsujii (Myodocopa: Cypridinidae) in some marine food fishes off Pamban, Southeast coast of India – A case study

The present study was the first attempt to investigate the public health importance of infestation of Ostracoda in some marine food fishes in southeast region of Tamil Nadu India during June 2019 to May 2020 by the method of Becker’s measuring utility by a single-response sequential method.  Total 540 fishermen belonging to 5 villages from Ramand District were interviewed to understand the public health issues related the infestation of Ostracoda V. tsujii in ten major marine food fishes i.e. Parupeneus indicus, Lutjanus fulviflamma, Priacanthus hamrur (Snapper), Carangoides gymnostethus, Carangoides malabaricus, Carangoides ferdau (Carangids), Cephalopholis sonnerati, Epinephelus coioides (grouper), Lethrinus ornatus and Plectorhinchus gibbosus (sea bream).  Fishermen, local whole sale buyers, small fish-stall owners and fish consumers were part of respondents. It was observed that there was no difference at statistically significant level (P < 0.05) between infested and healthy fish samples in terms of nutritional profile like protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates and mineral nutrients level.  Based on the feedback and information obtained from respondents in the present study found that no incidence of health issues or risk associated with food fishes infested with Ostracoda Vargula tsujii (local name – Arattlai) or any other true parasites.