Hutson, Kate S. (2014) Infectious diseases of Asian seabass and health management. In: Jerry, Dean R., (ed.) Biology and Culture of Asian Seabass Lates Calcarifer. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, pp. 102-136.

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Abstract

[Extract] Disease problems constitute the largest single cause of economic loss in aquaculture. Despite reliable hatchery production and commercial expansion of the Asian seabass industry, a number of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases threaten sustained production. Consequently, the focus and content of this chapter is on major viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic diseases which have occurred in, and which may impact adversely on, production of Asian seabass. Where available, information is also provided on diseases inflicting wild seabass and a list of known infectious diseases (pathogens and parasites) of both wild and farmed Asian seabass has been compiled in Table 6.1 as a reference.

Asian seabass can be cultured in a variety of aquaculture systems (open, semi-closed and closed) in freshwater, brackish and marine environments, each which presents its own unique disease challenges. However, most of the losses caused by pathogens and parasites in Asian seabass aquaculture can be prevented by adopting appropriate biosecurity protocols. Common biosecurity measures may include routine health inspections, quarantine and treatment of wild-caught brood stock, egg disinfection, strict equipment sanitation, human traffic control, intake water treatment, effluent treatment, clean feeds, restricting movement of stock, appropriate disposal of mortalities and limiting interactions between wild and farmed organisms. Difficulties can arise once a disease has established and spread within a facility because eradication may be impossible. Following a disease outbreak, vaccination and chemoprophylaxis may need to be implemented to reduce outbreaks and minimise losses. Appropriate biosecurity is the most effective method of prevention of the numerous disease causing organisms described herein.

In this chapter a brief description of important diseases is given, together with diagnosis and possible treatment and/or control mechanisms that may be applied in aquaculture. Information on management and treatment is provided as a guide only, and the author recommends consultation should be made with government authorities to ascertain regulations associated with the use of chemotherapeutants. The author recognises that noninfectious disease and abnormalities due to environmental contaminants, or nutritional deficiencies, are equally important problems, but these were beyond the scope of this chapter which focuses on infectious disease issues. Furthermore, continued intensive production of Asian seabass will likely result in further occurrences of previously unknown or undescribed diseases.

Item ID:	30887
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-1-4822-0807-8
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2014 04:22
FoR Codes:	07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0704 Fisheries Sciences > 070401 Aquaculture @ 100%
SEO Codes:	83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8301 Fisheries - Aquaculture > 830102 Aquaculture Fin Fish (excl. Tuna) @ 100%
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