IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION AND TAXONOMY OF ATYPICAL ISOLATES OF THE FISH PATHOGEN AEROMONAS SALMONICIDA

Objective

Aeromonas salmonicida is the causal agent of furunculosis of salmonids and related diseases in other fish species. The aetiological agent of furunculosis in salmonids, referred to as 'typical' Aeromonas salmonicida, is easily distinguisable phenotypically from the 'atypical', Aeromonas salmonicida group. These 'atypical' strains are isolated from a steadily expanding variety of non-salmonid fish species - both marine and fresh water - including minnow, goldfish, carp, perch, bream, roach, dace, chub, tench, pike, bullheads, scuipins, catfish, wrasse, cod, haddock, sablefish, wolffish, plaice, flounders, herring, dab, turbot and eels. Disease manifestations are often different to classical salmonid furunculosis.
The objectives of this project are:

(l) Improve the classification of Aeromonas salmonicida through a thorough investigation of a comprehensive collection of strains.
(2) Evaluate the different methods and techniques selected as possible key reactions for accurate and precise diagnosis in routine diagnostic work.
(3) Organise a scientific meeting followed by the preparation of a written report on the state of scientific understanding of atypical isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida.

Programme(s)

• FP3-AIR - Specific research and technological development and demonstration programme (EEC) in the field of agriculture and agro-industry, including fisheries, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 251 - Health of aquacultural stocks

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (5)