Fish vaccination

Question 1

Fish vaccines are delivered in

Answer 1

big bags (not vials)

Question 2

If you accidentally inject yourself with fish vaccine, you should…

Answer 2

use an epipen if needed.

Question 3

How are fish vaccinated?

Answer 3

they are anesthetized with benzocaine (in the solution for 40-50 sec) and injected with a pneumatic or manual vaccination pistol 1mm into the peritoneum.

Agitated fish result in incorrect injection and increased risk of self-injection.

Choose needle size based on fish group avg weight.

Question 4

injection area of fish?

Answer 4

into peritoneum beneath rear part of pyloric caeca.

use textured gloves and a “guard” that holds the fish in place

Question 5

how frequently should you replace your needle?

Answer 5

When a needle becomes blunt or damaged, normally after 2000-3000 fish, or if it causes lacerations or wounding,

Question 6

How should selected fish be destroyed?

Answer 6

Destroy fish using old, previously used anaesthetic.

Destruction with minimum suffering is important, and is required by law.

Question 7

feeding after vaccination

Answer 7

Never commence feeding until at least a couple of
days after vaccination (depends somewhat on
temperature).

Transport of content through intestine ceases 1-2 days after vaccination. If fish are fed before this or not starved sufficiently before vaccination, intestinal content may be retained and ferment, resulting in
inflammation of the intestinal wall. This may cause prolonged diarrhoea and digestive problems.

Question 8

follow-up exam after vaccination

Answer 8

At least 20 fish should be inspected internally
for vaccine absorption and residue, as well as
side effects.

At least 100 fish should be inspected
externally at the injection site.