The infectivity by different routes of exposure and shedding rates of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., held in sea water |
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| Authors: | A S ROSE A E ELLIS A L S MUNRO |
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| Institution: | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen, Scotland |
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| Abstract: | Abstract. The infectivity of the bacterial fish pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida to Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in sea water was investigated and found to be similar to that reported for fresh water. The minimal infective dose in short duration bath exposures (1–3 days) was 104 colony-forming units (cfu) per ml, while prolonged exposure for three weeks, but not for 1 week, produced infection with 102 cfu/ml. Intragastric intubation of A. salmonicida established infection with doses of >105 cfu. Release of bacteria from dead or morbid infected fish was monitored and found to be in the order of 105–108 cfu/fish/h. These results emphasize the importance of removing dead fish from farm sites. |
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