EPI-DOM framework for assessing fish welfare: external and internal indicators for tilapia

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Applied Epidemiology
• Aquaculture Management

Background:

• Tilapia welfare assessment in laboratory and production systems lacks a standardized, integrated approach.
• Existing methods often fail to connect animal-based indicators with specific risk factors.
• There is a need for a replicable system to translate scientific evidence into practical welfare management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present the EPI-DOM framework for evaluating and managing tilapia welfare.
• To integrate animal-based indicators with risk factors organized into operational domains.
• To create a practical guide for evidence-based decision-making in tilapia welfare.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review (2000-2025) structured under the EPI-DOM framework.
• Classification of indicators and adverse welfare events (AWE).
• Organization of risk factors within management, environment, and interaction domains, with cross-mapping to indicators.

Main Results:

• An operational guide translating evidence into a replicable welfare assessment system.
• Domain-based risk matrices, checklists, and preventive/corrective action guidance.
• Methodological criteria for interpreting data and designing sampling schemes.

Conclusions:

• The EPI-DOM framework provides a dynamic, verifiable system for tilapia welfare improvement.
• It bridges welfare science and applied epidemiology, ensuring traceability and comparability.
• The guide supports evidence-based decision-making and the implementation of good practices in diverse settings.