Aeromonas salmonicida - Furunculosis

Introduction

Aeromonas salmonicida is the causative agent of furunculosis. This gram-negative bacterium infects salmonid species worldwide, with both typical and atypical strains causing disease. All salmonids are believed to be naturally susceptible to infection with Aeromonas salmonicida, and the bacterium has been isolated from a range of other species as well. VESO offers challenge models with Aeromonas salmonicida in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.

Challenge models to evaluate the effect of vaccination

Salmonid parr (pre-smolts) are acclimatized for a minimum of one week before vaccination. After the immunization period fish are challenged by i.p. injection or cohabitation with i.p. injected shedder fish. After challenge, mortality is recorded during an observation period of three to four weeks. Evaluation of the potency of the vaccine is based on differences in mortality in vaccinated and unvaccinated fish.

Mortality in groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated salmon i.p. injected with Aeromonas salmonicida.