Optimization of infection protocol for Canadian Tenacibaculum maritimum, as well as the examination of cohabitant infections
The purpose of this experiment is to examine transmission of the pathogen, virulence differences and tissue tropism of Tenacibaculum maritimum (the cause of mouthrot in Western Canada). The secondary objective is to establish an optimized and standardized infection model, which could then be used to test prophylactic measures against this disease in the future.
Mouthrot infections have a significant impact on the industry in Western Canada due to the need for antibiotics to treat the disease. Previous fish experiments have shown that the disease can be replicated in lab conditions with certain isolates of T. maritimum using a bath infection model. This experiment aims to further the knowledge of mouthrot and to determine whether a cohabitant infection could be used as an infection model for future development of control measures.
A total of 480 Atlantic salmon will be a part of the experiment, all of which will be exposed to isolates of T. maritimum at varying doses. Some fish will experience disease. To reduce their suffering and discomfort to a minimum strict surveillance of humane endpoints will be enforced. The objectives of the experiment cannot be carried out without the use of laboratory fish. Selection of the number of animals is based on experiences from earlier infection experiments with T. maritimum. The number of fish is reduced to a minimum for what is necessary to provide sufficient quality data.
Mouthrot infections have a significant impact on the industry in Western Canada due to the need for antibiotics to treat the disease. Previous fish experiments have shown that the disease can be replicated in lab conditions with certain isolates of T. maritimum using a bath infection model. This experiment aims to further the knowledge of mouthrot and to determine whether a cohabitant infection could be used as an infection model for future development of control measures.
A total of 480 Atlantic salmon will be a part of the experiment, all of which will be exposed to isolates of T. maritimum at varying doses. Some fish will experience disease. To reduce their suffering and discomfort to a minimum strict surveillance of humane endpoints will be enforced. The objectives of the experiment cannot be carried out without the use of laboratory fish. Selection of the number of animals is based on experiences from earlier infection experiments with T. maritimum. The number of fish is reduced to a minimum for what is necessary to provide sufficient quality data.