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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #163007
Title: FISH HEALTH MONITORING, MORTALITIES AND MALADIES: DELAWARE 1999 AND 2000

Author
item Evans, Joyce
item HUMPHRIES, E - DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NA
item DICKEY, E - DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NA
item Klesius, Phillip

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/20/2000
Publication Date: 10/12/2000
Citation: EVANS, J.J., HUMPHRIES, E., DICKEY, E., KLESIUS, P.H. FISH HEALTH MONITORING, MORTALITIES AND MALADIES: DELAWARE 1999 AND 2000. dELAWARE dEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, DELAWARE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE / FISH HEALTH WORKSHOP. 2000.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 1999, Delaware instituted a fish health monitoring program in Indian River/Bay-Rehoboth Bay complex as part of the multi-faceted State Pfiesteria Surveillance Monitoring Program. None of the fish examined had grossly visible ulcerative lesions (n=914), however, two fish species, Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchelli) had parasitic infestations; copepod crustaceans identified as adult females of the Family Pennellidae; genus Lernaeenicus (presumptively radiatus). Histologically, myxosporidians (Kudoa sp.) appeared in myomeres. Parasite characteristics, incidence and effects on fish will be summarized. No fungal entities were seen in any of the menhaden. Parasitic and lesion incidence investigations are ongoing in 2000 as part of the Delaware fish health monitoring program. Due to the occurrence of numerous fish kills in Delaware waters, a multi disciplinary approach for assessment of menhaden health was initiated by USDA-ARS. A summary of fish tissues collected and their potential use in meaningful analyses will be presented. A discussion of gross lesions and possible causes will acquaint the audience with the complexities of fish kill diagnoses.