Vietnamese pangasius (Tra catfish) is one of the world's most widely traded fish, but welfare standards in intensive pond systems remain largely unaddressed.
Pangasius welfare in intensive Vietnamese pond systems is poorly monitored and largely unregulated. Extreme stocking densities, antibiotic-dependent disease management, and limited welfare assessment create conditions where welfare harm is likely widespread. The scale of pangasius production - hundreds of millions of fish annually - makes improving welfare standards in this sector a significant global welfare priority.