Quaglio - Laboratory Techniques and Biosecurity Flashcards

1
Q

What are the common laboratory techniques used in fish pathology?

A
  • Histopathology
  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR)
  • Microscopy and staining
  • Culture and sensitivity testing

These techniques are essential for diagnosing diseases and understanding fish health.

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2
Q

What is histopathology, and why is it important in fish pathology?

A
  • Examining tissues microscopically for cellular abnormalities
  • Identifies infections, granulomas, and tissue necrosis

Histopathology helps in understanding disease mechanisms and assessing tissue damage.

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3
Q

What stains are commonly used in fish histopathology?

A
  • Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) for general tissue structure
  • Ziehl-Neelsen for mycobacteria
  • PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) for fungal elements

These stains highlight different cellular components and organisms in tissue samples.

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4
Q

What is the role of bacteriology in fish pathology?

A
  • Culturing bacteria to identify causative agents
  • Determines antibiotic sensitivity for effective treatment

Bacteriology is crucial for diagnosing bacterial infections and guiding treatment.

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5
Q

What culture media are used for fish bacteriology?

A
  • TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar)
  • Blood Agar for hemolytic bacteria
  • Marine Agar for saltwater pathogens
  • TCBS Agar for Vibrio species

Different media support the growth of specific bacteria relevant to fish diseases.

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6
Q

What is molecular diagnostics, and how is it used in fish pathology?

A
  • Techniques like PCR detect specific DNA/RNA of pathogens
  • Provides rapid and accurate identification of diseases

Molecular diagnostics enable the detection of pathogens that are difficult to culture.

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7
Q

What is the purpose of antibiotic sensitivity testing?

A
  • Determines the most effective antibiotics
  • Helps reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance

This testing is vital for selecting appropriate treatments for bacterial infections.

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8
Q

What is the significance of wet mount microscopy in fish diagnostics?

A
  • Identifies parasites and fungal elements
  • Used to examine skin, gills, and fin samples

Wet mounts are a quick method for assessing external infections.

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9
Q

How are samples collected for laboratory analysis in fish pathology?

A
  • Tissues (liver, kidney, spleen) for histology
  • Skin scrapes or gill clips for microscopy
  • Swabs of lesions for bacteriology or molecular tests

Proper sample collection is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

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10
Q

What are the steps for sample preservation in fish pathology?

A
  • Fix tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology
  • Refrigerate or freeze samples for bacteriology and molecular analysis
  • Use sterile containers and avoid contamination

Sample preservation maintains the integrity of specimens for analysis.

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11
Q

What is biosecurity, and why is it critical in aquaculture?

A
  • A set of practices to prevent disease introduction and spread
  • Ensures the health and productivity of fish stocks

Biosecurity measures are essential for sustainable aquaculture operations.

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12
Q

What are the key components of biosecurity in aquaculture?

A
  • Quarantine new fish stocks
  • Disinfect equipment and water systems
  • Control access to facilities
  • Maintain high water quality

These components work together to minimize disease risks.

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13
Q

What is the purpose of quarantine in biosecurity?

A
  • Isolates new or diseased fish to prevent disease spread
  • Allows for observation and treatment of latent infections

Quarantine is a proactive measure to protect fish populations.

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14
Q

How is equipment sanitized in aquaculture biosecurity?

A
  • Use disinfectants like chlorine, iodine, or peracetic acid
  • Rinse thoroughly to avoid residues harmful to fish

Proper sanitation of equipment is critical to prevent cross-contamination.

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15
Q

What role does water quality monitoring play in biosecurity?

A
  • Prevents stress-induced diseases by maintaining optimal conditions
  • Reduces pathogen proliferation in tanks or ponds

Good water quality is vital for fish health and disease prevention.

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16
Q

What is the significance of controlling stocking density?

A
  • Prevents overcrowding, reducing stress and disease risk
  • Ensures even distribution of resources like oxygen and space

Proper stocking density supports fish welfare and health.

17
Q

How are PCR tests used in fish pathology?

A
  • Amplify specific DNA/RNA sequences of pathogens
  • Detect viruses, bacteria, and protozoans rapidly and accurately

PCR is a powerful tool for diagnosing infections in fish.

18
Q

What are the advantages of molecular diagnostics over traditional methods?

A
  • High sensitivity and specificity
  • Faster results compared to culture-based methods
  • Identifies non-culturable pathogens

Molecular diagnostics offer significant benefits in pathogen detection.

19
Q

What is the purpose of disinfecting transport water for fish?

A
  • Prevents introduction of pathogens during fish transport
  • Reduces the risk of disease outbreaks

Disinfecting transport water is crucial for maintaining fish health during transit.

20
Q

How can stress during sampling be minimized?

A
  • Handle fish gently and avoid overcrowding
  • Use anesthetics like MS-222 to reduce physical and physiological stress

Minimizing stress during sampling ensures better health outcomes.

21
Q

What are the challenges of maintaining biosecurity in large-scale aquaculture?

A
  • Difficulty in monitoring all entry points for pathogens
  • High cost of implementing biosecurity measures
  • Risks from wild fish and birds as vectors

Large-scale operations face unique biosecurity challenges that require careful management.

22
Q

What is the role of vaccination in aquaculture biosecurity?

A
  • Provides protection against specific bacterial and viral diseases
  • Reduces the need for antibiotics

Vaccination is a key strategy for disease prevention in fish farming.

23
Q

What are common disinfectants used in aquaculture?

A
  • Chlorine
  • Iodine compounds
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds
  • Hydrogen peroxide

These disinfectants are used to maintain biosecurity in aquaculture settings.

24
Q

What is the importance of record-keeping in biosecurity?

A
  • Tracks fish health and treatments
  • Identifies patterns or trends in disease outbreaks
  • Ensures regulatory compliance

Effective record-keeping supports management decisions and biosecurity measures.

25
Q

How does biosecurity reduce antibiotic usage?

A
  • Prevents diseases through proactive measures, reducing the need for antibiotics
  • Helps control the spread of resistant pathogens

Reducing antibiotic use is vital for sustainable aquaculture practices.

26
Q

What are the key steps for disinfecting tanks and ponds?

A
  • Drain and clean the tank/pond to remove debris
  • Apply disinfectants and allow contact time
  • Rinse thoroughly before refilling with clean water

Proper disinfection of tanks and ponds is essential for preventing disease outbreaks.

27
Q

How is disease monitoring conducted in aquaculture?

A
  • Routine health checks and environmental monitoring
  • Use of diagnostic tests for early detection
  • Isolating and treating infected fish promptly

Regular monitoring is crucial for maintaining fish health and preventing outbreaks.

28
Q

What is the role of aquaculture certification in biosecurity?

A
  • Ensures adherence to health and safety standards
  • Promotes sustainable and responsible farming practices

Certification programs help improve biosecurity measures in aquaculture.

29
Q

What factors should be considered when selecting disinfectants?

A
  • Spectrum of activity (bacteria, viruses, fungi)
  • Safety for fish and humans
  • Environmental impact

Selecting appropriate disinfectants is critical for effective biosecurity.

30
Q

How does maintaining optimal nutrition support biosecurity?

A
  • Enhances fish immunity to resist infections
  • Reduces susceptibility to stress-related diseases
  • Promotes faster recovery from infections

Proper nutrition is a foundational aspect of fish health management.