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The Aerobiological Dissemination Of The Fish Parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

 

 

 

Gregory A. Wooster, Todd M. Bishop, Paul R. Bowser

 

Aquatic Animal Health Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401 USA

 

 

 

            The aerobiological (airborne) pathway or dissemination of the ciliated protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was investigated. Results indicate that viable Ichthyophthirius multifiliis trophonts or tomites can travel as an aerosol/droplet spray from an aerated aquarium (tank) stocked with experimentally infected channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and infect naive channel catfish in aquaria placed up to 7.6 cm (3 inches) away. When a gentle airflow is applied across the infected tank by a small muffin fan viable parasites can infect aquaria stocked with channel catfish up to 91.4 cm (3 feet away).  Work performed previously in this lab showed that viable Aeromonas salmonicida can be spread via airborne route and be recovered from water downwind from an experimentally generated aerosol/droplet spray. It is possible that viable fish pathogens can be spread via the airborne route. This possible route of pathogen introduction could effect current management or system designs, especially when aquaculture systems consist of tanks in close proximity.




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