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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #313338
Title: Practical use of copper sulfate in catfish production

Author
item Farmer, Bradley
item Straus, David - Dave
item Beck, Benjamin

Submitted to: Catfish Farmers of America, Natchez, MS
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/10/2014
Publication Date: 1/27/2015
Citation: Farmer, B.D., Straus, D.L., Beck, B.H. 2015. Practical use of copper sulfate in catfish production [abstract]. Catfish Farmers of America, Natchez, MS. p. 26.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Copper sulfate has been used in aquaculture for many years to control weeds, algae, snails (which carry catfish trematode), and ecto-parasitic organisms in catfish production. Our research has also shown it to be safe and effective to treat fungus on various fish eggs (catfish, hybrid striped bass, walleye, and largemouth bass). Ongoing research has been investigating copper sulfate for treatment or prevention of other diseases including columnaris. Our research has shown that it is an excellent treatment for an active external infection of columnaris on catfish. We have also shown that catfish pretreated with copper sulfate were more resistant to columnaris and this protection lasted up to 10 days. Our latest research has been focusing on incorporating copper sulfate in feed, and preliminary data suggest it also induces resistance to columnaris. In this presentation we will cover the current regulatory status of copper sulfate and discuss how it can be utilized on farms.