EVALUATION OF A SYSTEMS-BASED APPROACH TO CONTROLLING BLOWFLY INFESTATION OF TRADITIONALLY PROCESSED FISH AT SMALL-SCALE PROCESSING SITES

摘要

Blowfly infestation is a complex process. Levels of infestation can be influenced by a number of factors including processing techniques, fish species being processed, season, location and standards of hygiene. The situation is further complicated byfish processing sites being highly variable, both in terms of types offish and methods of processing. No two processing sites are the same, which means that a blowfly control measure that is effective at one site may be inappropriate at another. Successful blowfly control therefore depends upon the use of control measures that are appropriate to the particular circumstances at each processing site. Recent research suggests that if control measures are to succeed they must be based on a detailed understanding of infestation modes, external factors, variations in processing techniques and the socio-economic context within which the processing takes place. The most effective and sustainable way to control blowfly infestation of traditionally cured fish isthrough applying a systematic approach based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. This is because the timing, mode and causes of the infestation vary considerably between processing sites and can even alter at a particular siteif the processing practices or the external conditions change. The best way to control the infestation will also vary, according to the particular circumstances of the infestation. Approaching the problem of blowfly control systematically allows a control measure to be chosen that is appropriate to the infestation problem at any given site. The systems-based approach to blowfly control has recently been evaluated during community-based field trials conducted at small-scale fish processing sites locatedalong the eastern coast of India. This research has clearly demonstrated that the systems-based strategy offers a safe, efficient and cost-effective remedy to the problem of blowfly infestation at small-scale traditional fish processing sites. The outputs of this research and potential for transferring the systems-based approach to controlling blowfly infestation at small-scale fish processing sites in Africa are discussed in this paper.