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.