PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF GNATHOSTOMA SP. PARASITES IN EELS (FLUTA ALBA) TRANSITED THROUGH THE FISH QUARANTINE, QUALITY CONTROL, AND BANJARMASIN FISHERIES PRODUCT SAFETY CENTER

Abstract

Eels (Fluta alba) are freshwater fish widely distributed in various aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, swamps, and canals. Data on the prevalence, intensity of Gnathostoma sp. parasites, and the health status of eels can be used as a basis for better policy-making and management. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and intensity of Gnathostoma sp. parasites in eels transited through the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Fisheries Product Safety Center in Banjarmasin. The research was conducted at the Testing Laboratory of the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Fisheries Product Safety Center in Banjarmasin. The eels analyzed came from Hulu Sugai Utara and Banjar districts, and the analysis was carried out every Wednesday, coinciding with the eel export schedule. The samples examined were eel commodities to be transited through the Fish Quarantine, Quality Control, and Fisheries Product Safety Center in Banjarmasin. Eel samples were taken randomly. Sample testing was conducted once a week for two months. Samples were taken every Wednesday according to the export schedule from the Fish Farming Unit. The number of samples taken was five eels. The prevalence of eels confirmed to be infected with Gnathostoma sp. parasites was 57.50% (very frequent infection rate). The intensity of Gnathostoma sp. parasites in eels was 2.74 parasites per eel (low). The organs of eels infected by Gnathostoma sp. included 46 Gnathostoma sp. in the liver and 17 Gnathostoma