Pain management protocols for farmed catfish are in early development, with procedures including handling, crowding, and slaughter requiring welfare attention.
Catfish pain management is at an earlier stage of development than salmonid welfare protocols, reflecting the lower regulatory and research attention given to warmwater aquaculture species. However, the evidence for catfish nociception is sufficient to justify precautionary welfare measures including anesthesia for prolonged handling procedures and pre-slaughter stunning. Clove oil anesthesia is practical for sampling and transport and is widely available. Electrical stunning protocols adapted from other aquatic species require validation specifically for catfish, given anatomical and physiological differences. Industry adoption of pain management protocols would represent a meaningful welfare advance for one of the US most important aquaculture species.