The purpose of this study was to analyze the various risk factors evidenced in the
tilapia cage culture in the Upper Ping River based on the recent outbreak as well as the
published works. Qualitative risk-analysis methods and virulence theories with historical
evidence to identify key disease-emergence risk factors were applied for this study. Tilapia
diseases possibly have emerged through pathogen exchange with wild populations, upstream
diseased fish, evolution from non-pathogenic micro-organisms, and anthropogenic transfer of
carrier stocks. In addition, climate changes can make the tilapia more prone to diseases.