Marcer 4 - Fish Parasites and PMI Flashcards
What is parasitosis in fish?
The presence of parasites in fish in their natural habitat.
What constitutes a parasitic disease in fish?
The presence of parasites in fish combined with predisposing factors in the host and environment.
What are the biotic components influencing disease development in fish?
Host factors and pathogen factors
Host factors include nutrition, immune competence, age, and species. Pathogen factors include pathogenicity, life cycle type, and replication speed.
What are the abiotic components influencing disease development in fish?
Environmental factors like temperature, oxygen, pH, and ammonia.
What fish farming practices promote the development of parasitic diseases?
Introduction of parasitized fish without quarantine, overcrowding, poor water quality, and improper handling.
How does overcrowding in fish tanks contribute to parasitic diseases?
It supports direct-cycle parasites like Cryptocaryon irritans, Amyloodinium ocellatum, and monogenean parasites.
What water characteristics increase the risk of parasitic infections in fish farms?
High ammonia levels, poor water exchange, and unsuitable temperatures.
What structural characteristics of fish farms can promote parasitic diseases?
Presence of benthic organisms or mollusc gastropods as intermediate hosts.
What general symptoms indicate a parasitic disease in fish?
Sudden mortality without symptoms, anorexia, respiratory disorders, and swimming alterations.
What skin lesions may indicate parasitic diseases in fish?
Visible parasites, dropsy, hemorrhages, ulcers, and ‘cotton-like’ material.
What gill lesions may indicate parasitic infections in fish?
Anemia, hyperproduction of mucus, necrosis, and presence of ‘cotton-like’ material.
What eye lesions can be associated with parasitic diseases in fish?
Exophthalmia, keratitis, ulceration, hemorrhage, and cataracts.
How should fish samples be transported for parasitological analysis?
Refrigerated at +4°C or kept cool with ice, avoiding direct contact, and analyzed within 12-24 hours.
What preservation methods are used for histological analysis of fish?
Fish or organs preserved in 10% neutral phosphate-buffered formalin.
What is the preferred solution for preserving parasites for identification?
70% ethanol solution.
What is Amyloodinium ocellatum?
A parasitic dinoflagellate causing velvet disease.
What conditions promote the life cycle of Amyloodinium ocellatum?
- Temperatures of 16-30°C
- salinity of 12-45‰. (marine + euryhaline)
What is Cryptocaryon irritans?
A ciliate causing white spot disease.
What management strategies prevent Cryptocaryon irritans outbreaks?
Quarantine, UV water treatment, disinfection of tools, and regular cleaning of tank bottoms.
What are histiophagous ciliates?
Facultative parasites affecting skin and internal organs.
What is Neobenedenia melleni?
A monogenean parasite infecting eyes, skin, fins, gills, and nasal cavity.
What is Sparicotyle chrysophrii?
A hematophagous parasite causing anemia in marine fish.
What is Kudoa thyrsites?
A myxosporean parasite causing ‘soft flesh’ syndrome in marine fish.
What diagnostic techniques are used for fish parasitic diseases?
Macroscopic and microscopic examination, PCR, and histological analysis.
How can fish parasitic diseases impact the economy?
Through direct losses and indirect losses.
What is the role of biosecurity in fish farms?
Limiting unauthorized access and maintaining hygiene standards.
What are examples of zoonotic risks from fish parasites?
Diseases like anisakiasis.
How does climate change influence parasitic diseases in aquaculture?
By altering parasite life cycles and increasing outbreaks.
What are the benefits of vaccination in aquaculture health management?
Prevention of parasitic infections and reduction in treatment costs.
How can probiotics help manage fish parasites?
By enhancing fish immunity and outcompeting pathogens.
What is Myxobolus cerebralis?
A parasite affecting fish neurological and skeletal systems.
What symptoms does Myxobolus cerebralis cause?
Skeletal deformities and erratic swimming behavior.
What is Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich)?
A ciliate protozoan causing ‘white spot disease’.
How can Ichthyophthirius multifiliis outbreaks be prevented?
Quarantine and treat fish with salt baths or formalin.
What are Argulus spp. (Fish Lice)?
Ectoparasitic crustaceans that attach to skin and gills.
How can Argulus spp. infestations be controlled?
Regular tank cleaning and chemical treatments.
What is Saprolegnia spp.?
A fungal pathogen causing saprolegniasis.
How can saprolegniasis be prevented?
Maintain water quality and reduce stress factors.
What is Trichodina spp.?
A protozoan ectoparasite causing irritation in fish.
What are the symptoms of Hexamita spp. (Hole-in-the-Head Disease)?
Skin pits on the head, weight loss, and lethargy.
What is Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Sea Louse)?
A copepod parasite causing lesions on skin.
What are the key strategies in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for fish parasites?
Use of cleaner fish and rotational treatments.
What diagnostic techniques are used for Cryptocaryon irritans?
Microscopic examination and molecular diagnostics.
What is Enteromyxum leei?
A parasite causing acute disease in sea bream juveniles.
How does Enterospora nucleophila affect fish?
It causes emaciation and lethargy.
What public health risks are associated with fish parasites?
Transmission of zoonotic diseases.
How does climate change affect fish parasitic diseases?
It alters parasite life cycles and increases outbreak frequency.
What are the economic benefits of parasite prevention in fish farming?
Lower mortality rates and higher market value.
What is the role of vaccination in aquaculture health?
Reduces prevalence of parasitic diseases.
What are biosecurity measures in aquaculture?
Limiting unauthorized access and disinfecting tools.
What role does quarantine play in preventing fish diseases?
Isolates new fish for 2-4 weeks.
How can portable PCR devices benefit aquaculture?
Enable on-site pathogen detection.
What impact does climate change have on fish parasitic diseases?
Increases outbreaks and alters life cycles.
What are zoonotic risks from fish parasites?
Diseases like anisakiasis can be transmitted to humans.
How can collaboration improve aquaculture practices?
Sharing knowledge among farmers, researchers, and policymakers.
What is the importance of cleaner fish in aquaculture?
They naturally control external parasites.
What tools are used in real-time aquaculture health monitoring?
Sensors for water quality and drones for inspections.
How can education improve parasite management in aquaculture?
Training farmers on best practices.
What are the final takeaways for managing fish parasitic diseases?
Prevention, innovation, and collaboration.
What is the life cycle of Neobenedenia melleni?
A direct life cycle with filamented eggs.
What are the symptoms caused by Neobenedenia melleni in fish?
Corneal opacity, skin lesions, and blindness.
What is Sparicotyle chrysophrii, and what impact does it have?
A hematophagous gill parasite causing anemia.
How does Zeuxapta seriolae affect greater amberjack in aquaculture?
It causes anemia and loss of equilibrium.
What is the role of intermediate hosts in the Cardicola spp. life cycle?
Polychaetes, bivalves, and gastropods serve as intermediate hosts.
What are Caligus spp., and why are they significant?
Parasitic copepods affecting marine fish.
What is Enteromyxum leei, and what are its effects on sea bream?
A parasite causing acute disease and chronic cachexia.
How is Enteromyxum leei diagnosed?
Using histology or PCR.
What is Enterospora nucleophila?
A microsporidian parasite causing emaciation.
What are the external and internal signs of Enterospora nucleophila infection?
External: Lethargy, cachexia. Internal: Thinned intestinal walls.
What are the symptoms of Cryptocaryon irritans?
Small white spots on skin and lethargy.
How can fish farmers manage Cryptocaryon irritans infections?
Quarantine, UV water treatment, and regular tank cleaning.
What factors influence the development of parasitic diseases in fish farming?
Introduction of infected fish, overcrowding, and poor water quality.
What steps should be taken for sample preservation during parasitological analysis?
Refrigeration at +4°C and preserving in formalin.
What is the significance of biosecurity in aquaculture?
It minimizes pathogen entry and spread.
How does climate change impact parasitic diseases in aquaculture?
It increases outbreaks and affects fish susceptibility.
What tools are used for modern aquaculture health management?
Real-time water quality sensors and portable PCR devices.
How do histiophagous ciliates affect fish?
They cause mortality by damaging skin and internal organs.
Why is vaccination important in aquaculture?
It helps prevent parasitic diseases.
What tools are used for modern aquaculture health management?
Real-time water quality sensors, portable PCR devices, and AI-based imaging systems for diagnostics.
These technologies enhance monitoring and management of aquaculture environments.
How do histiophagous ciliates affect fish?
They are rapidly replicating parasites causing mortality by damaging skin and internal organs.
This can lead to significant losses in aquaculture operations.
Why is vaccination important in aquaculture?
It helps prevent parasitic diseases, reducing mortality and treatment costs.
Vaccination is a proactive measure to enhance fish health and farm productivity.
What is the role of training and education in aquaculture health?
It equips farmers with best practices for parasite prevention and sustainable fish farming.
Educated farmers are more likely to implement effective health management strategies.
