Author(s): Paloma D De Chavez and Neil D Encinares

Abstract: A study was initiated to evaluate the performance and hematological responses of Nile Tilapia FaST Strain Oreochromis niloticus (L) to an experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. The experiment consisted of two treatments with three replicates: Treatment 1 (Control)/non-injected fish (NI); Treatment 2 (Infected)/fish injected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Twenty-four hours after injection, the fish were anesthetized and the blood was collected. The hematological test included white blood cell (WBC) counts in treatments. Fish injected with Aeromonas hydrophila showed significant difference in white blood cell (WBC) counts than the non-injected treatment. Final weight and weight gain increased significantly in fish injected when compared to non-injected control. Statistical analysis of survival rate showed significant difference between treatments (P<0.05). Treatment 1 (Control) has significantly higher survival rate which was 75% compared to Treatment 2 (Infected) which was 25%.