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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #339158
Research Project: The Role of Mucosal Surfaces and Microflora in Immunity and Disease Prevention

Location: Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr

Title: Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare) challenge using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in an ultra-low flow system

Author
item RENUKDAS, NILIMA - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item Farmer, Bradley
item KAIMAL, SINDHU - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item KELLY, ANITA - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item ROY, LUKE - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item PARK, JIONGHWAN - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff

Submitted to: Aquaculture America Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2017
Publication Date: 2/19/2017
Citation: Renukdas, N., Farmer, B.D., Kaimal, S., Kelly, A., Roy, L., Park, J. 2017. Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare) challenge using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in an ultra-low flow system [abstract]. Aquaculture America Conference, San Antonio, TX, February 19-22, 2017. p. 362.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Arkansas baitfish farms routinely struggle with columnaris disease, which is caused by Flavobacterium columnare. Columnaris is ubiquitous in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) especially after harvest while they are being held in vats and during the transport prior to being sold. Columnaris disease is transmitted horizontally from fish to fish is one of the most serious bacterial infections affecting the aquaculture industry today. The disease is highly contagious and may be spread through contaminated nets, specimen containers, and even food. Outbreaks are commonly caused by stress such as overcrowding, low dissolved oxygen, high ammonia and nitrite concentrations. In order to further examine this issue, a columnaris challenge tank study was devised with three different densities (400/m3, 800/m3 and 1600/m3) and at two different temperatures (22 deg C and 28 deg C) using an ultra-low flow system. The experiment was performed with three replicates. LSU- 04-066 stain was used to challenge fathead minnows during the trail. Dissolved oxygen, flow, ammonia and fish mortality were recorded following the challenge. Fish mortality following the challenge was almost 100% in all the densities at 28 deg C within 24 hours and at 22 deg C within 28-30 hours. Tank water and fish tissue (gills, kidney, and spleen) samples were collected and processed for the presence of columnaris using real time PCR and flow cytometry. Data are currently being analyzed and results will be presented and discussed in the context of baitfish industry.